Conditional Use Beverage (CUB) permit: Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA City Planning — Office of Zoning Administration

What it is

The discretionary land-use approval (with a public hearing and conditions) needed for alcohol sales when the RBP doesn't fit — e.g. outside RBP areas, more than 150 seats, late hours, or live entertainment.

When a restaurant needs it

Alcohol service at a site or operation not eligible for the RBP.

How to apply

Book a filing appointment through BuildLA (stand-alone alcohol/dancing requests can be prepared online), file the application, attend the Zoning Administrator hearing, then wait out the appeal period.

Documents you’ll need

CUB application and findings
Radius map and ownership/occupant mailing list
Floor and site plans
Photos and description of operations and hours

Fee

Varies — see City Planning fee estimator (City Planning estimates a CUP costs about $15,000)

Processing time

At least six months

Renewal

Conditions run with the land; mandatory monitoring program with inspections

Who files

Usually filed by a land-use consultant or attorney on the operator's behalf.

Good to know

Start the CUB the day you sign the lease — ABC won't issue your license until local zoning allows alcohol, and hearings attract neighborhood council input.

Official source

City Planning — alcohol & entertainment

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.