California creates its ABC (1955)
After Prohibition ended in 1933, California's State Board of Equalization handled liquor licensing. In 1955 the legislature created the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, a dedicated agency to issue and enforce alcohol licenses, including the type 41 category for eating places that serve beer and wine.
The ABC became California's single alcohol authority, centralizing licensing under one agency.
Its license types still govern alcohol sales today. Restaurants like Josephine need a type 41 license to pour beer and wine, and a broader license to serve spirits.
Explains why a neighborhood bistro needs a state license before it can serve wine, and why Josephine's license covers beer and wine but not cocktails.
