California's post-Prohibition ABC regime (1933-1935)
After national Prohibition ended in 1933, California set up a three-tier system separating producers, distributors, and retailers. The legislature created a licensing board that later became the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which still issues every retail alcohol license in the state.
Retailers had to secure permits just to sell beer, wine, and spirits; the board could revoke licenses for violations.
That framework persists — a type 21 license today traces directly to the 1930s licensing system.
Explains the mechanism behind this story: why a bottle shop needs an ABC license before it can legally open.
