Part 2 — Alcohol Sales

The purpose of regulating alcohol sales is to establish a comprehensive set of regulations regarding the placement, location, and development of various types of facilities that sell or serve alcohol to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties and minimize potentially adverse impacts. These regulations shall apply to alcoholic beverage sales as defined in this chapter. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).

For the purpose of this chapter (Standards for Specific Land Uses and Activities), Part 2, the words and phrases herein shall have the following meanings ascribed to them unless the context clearly requires the contrary. This list of terms is designed to clarify the zoning code’s intent as it relates to alcohol sales.

“Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)” means the California State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

“Alcoholic beverage sales” means a retail establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption off the premises. This classification excludes grocery stores, specialty stores, and beer and wine convenience stores that may sell alcoholic beverages incidental to the primary use.

“Alcoholic beverages” means a fermented or distilled beverage including alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every other liquid or solid containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer which contains one-half of one percent or more

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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of alcohol by volume and which is fit for beverage purposes either alone or when diluted, mixed, or combined with other substances.

“Amusement arcade” means any place open to the public where five or more amusement games are maintained for use by the public. When only a portion of the premises is used for the operation of amusement games, only that portion shall be considered as an amusement arcade.

“Bars and cocktail lounges” means establishments where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises and which must consist of a minimum gross floor area of 3,000 square feet, excluding any floor area dedicated to restaurant space. This classification excludes restaurants and commercial recreation uses that may serve alcoholic beverages incidental to the primary use.

“Beer and wine convenience store” means any proposed retail establishment, other than a vehicle service station, which sells a variety of products and which is less than 23,000 square feet in gross floor area, and which is proposed to sell beer and wine as defined in California Business and Professions Code Sections 23006 and 23007, as those code sections may be amended, supplemented, or renumbered, for off-premises consumption, shall be deemed for the purpose of this section a beer and wine convenience store. This classification excludes retail establishments with total yearly alcohol sales that make up more than 25 percent of the establishment’s total yearly gross sales.

“Brewery/winery/distillery” means an establishment which produces ales, beers, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor and/or similar beverages on site. Breweries and wineries may also serve beverages on site and sell beverages for ‐ off site consumption in keeping with the regulations of the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“Casino” means a business or enterprise licensed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5.08 CMC, Article XVIII, for the playing of any gambling game.

“Gambling game” means any game conducted, dealt or carried on with cards, dice, dominoes or devices, for money, checks, chips, credit or any representative of value if chance is any determining factor in the result of the game.

“Grocery stores selling alcohol” means any proposed retail establishment with self-service food, beverage, and associated consumer goods divided into departments, other than a vehicle service station, which will consist of 23,000 square feet or more in gross floor area and which is proposed to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. This classification excludes retail establishments with total yearly alcohol sales that make up more than 25 percent of the establishment’s total yearly gross sales.

“Indoor commercial entertainment” means an establishment offering predominantly spectator uses conducted within an enclosed building including, but not limited to, uses such as motion picture theaters, live performance theaters, meeting halls, and dance halls.

“Indoor commercial recreation” means establishments providing indoor participant or spectator recreation for a fee or admission charge including, but not limited to, uses such as billiards and pool halls, bowling alleys, family fun centers, indoor rock climbing, and skating rinks.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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“Letter of public convenience or necessity” means a letter written, pursuant to California Business and Professions Code 23817.7 and 23958.4, to alcoholic beverage control by the city setting forth that the city has determined that public convenience or necessity would be served by the issuance of a license to sell alcoholic beverages at the requested location.

“Liquor store” means a retail store, of any size, where the establishment’s total yearly alcohol sales make up more than 25 percent of the establishment’s total yearly gross sales, and is not limited to beer and wine.

“Off-site accessory alcohol sale and consumption” means the accessory sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises of an establishment which is additional, incidental, supportive, or subordinate to the primary use of a business. The floor area dedicated to such accessory use shall not exceed 25 percent of the total service area of the establishment. This classification excludes uses otherwise defined in this section.

“Off-site alcohol sales and consumption” means the consumption of an alcoholic beverage off the premises of an establishment wherein alcoholic beverages are sold, served, or given away. This classification excludes uses otherwise defined in this section.

“On-site accessory alcohol sale and consumption” means the accessory sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises of an establishment which is additional, incidental, supportive, or subordinate to the primary use of a business. The floor area dedicated to such accessory use shall not exceed 25 percent of the total service area of the establishment. This classification excludes uses otherwise defined in this section.

hol sale and consumption” means the accessory sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises of an establishment which is additional, incidental, supportive, or subordinate to the primary use of a business. The floor area dedicated to such accessory use shall not exceed 25 percent of the total service area of the establishment. This classification excludes uses otherwise defined in this section.

“On-site alcohol sale and consumption” means the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of an establishment wherein alcoholic beverages are sold, served, or given away. On-site consumption of alcoholic beverages as a primary use shall not be permitted unless the building has a minimum floor area of 3,000 square feet, not including restaurants. This classification excludes uses otherwise defined in this section.

“Outdoor commercial recreation” means establishments providing outdoor participant or spectator recreation for a fee or admission charge including, but not limited to, uses such as batting cages, country clubs, golf courses, outdoor rock climbing, and outdoor skating rinks.

“Primary entrance” means the principal entrance through which most members of the public enter a building during operating hours, as defined by the building code and as may be determined by the building official or community development director. Primary entrances do not include drive-up windows, emergency exit doors, employee-only doors, or doors used primarily for loading and delivery.

“Public playground” means a park, playground, or recreational area specifically designed to be used by children that may have play equipment installed, including public grounds designed for athletic activities such as baseball, softball, soccer, or basketball or any similar facility located on school grounds, or on any land under the control, operation, or management of the city or any other public agency.

“Religious institution” means a facility used for religious worship and incidental religious education and/or activities. This definition shall not include schools, facilities used for religious worship and incidental religious education located in residences or multitenant buildings, or facilities used solely for administrative functions incidental to religious worship and incidental religious education and/or activities.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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“Restaurant” means a place which is regularly and in a bona fide manner used and kept open for the serving of meals to guests for compensation, and which has suitable kitchen facilities connected therewith, containing conveniences for cooking an assortment of foods which may be required for ordinary meals, the kitchen of which must be kept in a sanitary condition with the proper amount of refrigeration for keeping of food on the premises, and must comply with all regulations of the local department of health. Any establishment, business, or facility that satisfies the foregoing criteria, but has areas designated for uses other than food preparation or consumption, such as a bar/lounge area, billiards, dart boards and the like, in excess of 25 percent of the total service area of the establishment, shall not be deemed a “restaurant.”

“School” means an educational institution for children, including, but not limited to, elementary, middle/junior, and high schools, and charter schools. This definition does not include colleges and universities, business and professional schools, tutoring and education centers, or nontuition part-time instruction at places of religious assembly.

“Specialty store” means a business establishment where the primary use involves the specialty retail sales of food and beverages for off-site preparation and consumption such as delis, coffee shops, bakeries, and produce stores. This classification excludes establishments with total yearly alcohol sales that make up more than 25 percent of the establishment’s total yearly gross sales.

“Vehicle service station” means a business establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of vehicle fuel and lubricants. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025).

Any sale and serving of alcoholic beverages for off-site and/or on-site consumption shall be prohibited unless permitted or conditionally permitted by this title and approved by the appropriate approving authority, as designated in Table. 20.52-2. The approving authority shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny applications based upon information provided by the applicant, by making the applicable findings required for a particular permit or approval in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 5, CMC 20.52.100, and other laws and regulations. A final action of the approving authority may be appealed to the appeal authority, pursuant to procedures set forth in CMC 20.84.160.

Table 20.52-2. Required Permit and Approving Authority

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Alcohol Sale Use Permit Required Approval Authority
Alcoholic beverage sales CUP Planning commission
Amusement arcade CUP, except minor CUP in Ent Planning commission, except
Zone only director in Ent Zone
Bars and cocktail lounges CUP Planning commission
Beer and wine convenience store CUP Planning commission
----- End of picture text -----

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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Table 20.52-2. Required Permit and Approving Authority

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----- Start of picture text -----
Alcohol Sale Use Permit Required Approval Authority
Brewery/winery/distillery CUP, except minor CUP in Ent Planning commission, except
Zone only director in Ent Zone
Casinos and gambling games CUP Planning commission
Grocery store Minor CUP Director
Indoor commercial recreation CUP, except minor CUP in Ent Planning commission, except
Zone only director in Ent Zone
Indoor commercial entertainment CUP, except minor CUP in Ent Planning commission, except
Zone only director in Ent Zone
Liquor store Not permitted in any zone --
Off-site accessory alcohol sale or CUP, unless otherwise stated Planning commission, unless
use herein otherwise stated herein
On-site accessory alcohol sale or CUP, unless otherwise stated Planning commission, unless
use herein otherwise stated herein
Outdoor commercial recreation CUP, except minor CUP in Ent Planning commission, except
Zone only director in Ent Zone
Restaurant Minor CUP Director
Specialty store Minor CUP Director
Vehicle service station CUP Planning commission
----- End of picture text -----

or CUP, unless otherwise stated Planning commission, unless
use herein otherwise stated herein
Outdoor commercial recreation CUP, except minor CUP in Ent Planning commission, except
Zone only director in Ent Zone
Restaurant Minor CUP Director
Specialty store Minor CUP Director
Vehicle service station CUP Planning commission
----- End of picture text -----

A. Expansion. Any expansion of the use; a change in Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license status, from an off-site to on-site, or from one type of on-site or off-site license to another type of on-site or off-site license; or any transfer of the license issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control shall not be permitted unless an amendment to a minor conditional use permit or a conditional use permit is first obtained pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 5. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025).

The following distance requirements shall apply to all businesses engaged in alcoholic beverage sales and services, as applicable:

A. Measurement of Distance Requirements. For the purpose of Chapter 20.52 CMC (Standards for Specific Land Uses and Activities), Part 2, all distance requirements shall be measured from the primary entrance of each business or use. In instances where a single primary entrance cannot be determined, the distance requirements shall be measured from the subject parcel of the use.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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1. Measurements taken from the primary entrance of a business or use shall be measured in a straight line from the center of the primary entrance, without regard for intervening structures or objects.

2. Measurements taken from the parcel shall be measured in a straight line from all points along the parcel lines of the subject parcel of the use, without regard for intervening structures or objects.

B. Distance Requirements to Religious Institutions, Schools, or Other Public Playgrounds. Unless otherwise stated herein, businesses selling alcoholic beverages for off-site or on-site consumption shall be located a minimum distance of 500 feet from any religious institution, school, or other public playground.

1. Exemptions. Grocery stores, specialty stores, restaurants, breweries/wineries/distilleries, indoor commercial recreation, outdoor commercial recreation, indoor commercial entertainment, and amusement arcades with accessory sale or service of alcohol may be permitted within 500 feet of such uses subject to the following conditions:

• a. All alcoholic beverages sales, offerings, and consumption shall be conducted completely within an enclosed building on premises, except for permitted outdoor seating areas for on-site uses.

b. There shall be no exterior advertising or signage of any kind or type, including advertising directed to the exterior from within, promoting or indicating the availability of beer, wine, and distilled spirits.

c. Any employee who is authorized to sell alcohol must have participated in a licensee education on alcohol and drugs class put on by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or must participate in such class within two months of employment. Establishments must show proof of such attendance on the premises and present such proof upon request by the director of community development.

d. Interior and exterior surveillance cameras shall be installed and maintained in working condition and a detailed security plan must be approved and on file with the community development department. The security plan must include the following details:

• i. Up-to-date and complete contact information for individuals responsible for the business (e.g., business owner(s), operations manager, etc.);

• ii. Procedures for preventing persons under the age of 21 from receiving or consuming alcohol;

iii. Training provided to the establishment’s personnel, including conflict resolution training, procedures for handling violent incidents and emergencies, as well as the establishment’s procedures for contacting the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department;

• iv. Procedures for crowd control and preventing overcrowding;

• v. Procedures to monitor beverage sales and patron behavior;

• vi. Number and location of interior and exterior security cameras;

• vii. Location of alcohol storage areas;

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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viii. Location of alcohol service areas.

• e. Any other condition(s) deemed necessary or appropriate by the city to protect the health and welfare of its residents.

C. Distance From Other Establishments. Businesses selling alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption shall not be located within 1,000 feet of any other establishment selling and serving alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption.

1. Exemptions. Grocery stores, specialty stores, restaurants, breweries/wineries/distilleries.

• D. Distance Requirements for Beer and Wine Convenience Stores. All beer and wine convenience stores must meet the following additional distance requirements:

  1. The parcel upon which the establishment is proposed to be located is not within 500 feet of a lot upon which another beer and wine convenience store is located.

  2. The parcel upon which the establishment is proposed to be located is not within 500 feet of a lot zoned for residential purposes or mixed use with a residential component. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018. Formerly 20.52.070).

The following shall apply to all businesses engaged in alcoholic beverage sales and services, in addition to other conditions as required by this chapter:

• A. All conditions of approval for the alcohol license shall be placed on the property in a location where employees can easily read the conditions.

B. There shall be no live entertainment, amplified music, or dancing permitted on the premises at any time unless the proper permits have been obtained from the city of Cudahy.

C. The owner/operator or lessee shall be responsible for the conduct of all employees, including their education concerning Alcoholic Beverage Control regulations and provisions of this code pertaining to sales of alcohol (e.g., verification of age of purchaser).

D. The community development department has the authority, should continuing law enforcement problems exist, to determine if the presence of a city-approved doorman and/or security personnel shall be required.

E. Yearly Sales for Accessory Alcohol Sale or Use. The establishment’s total yearly alcohol sales shall make up no more than 25 percent of the establishment’s total yearly gross sales. Prior to March 1st of each year, the establishment shall submit to the finance department yearly financial statements for the prior calendar year or portion thereof if the establishment was not in business for the entire calendar year.

1. Exemptions. Breweries/wineries/distilleries.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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F. Review of Alcohol Licenses. All alcohol licenses shall be reviewed one year following the date of permit approval. Subsequent to the initial review, the community development director shall have the authority to inspect any licensed establishment or request a comprehensive review of an alcohol license, including the business’s compliance with any required conditions of approval, at any reasonable time.

G. Any other condition(s) deemed necessary or appropriate by the city to protect the health and welfare of its residents. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025).

The following shall apply to all businesses with an approved off-site alcohol license, in addition to other conditions as required by this chapter:

A. All alcoholic beverages sold must be bagged in clear plastic bags. Use of brown paper or other opaque bags or packaging is prohibited.

• B. No alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, shall be consumed on the premises.

• C. Alcohol Quantity Requirements.

1. Grocery Stores, Specialty Stores, Vehicle Service Stations, and Off-Site Accessory Alcohol Sale or Use. Alcoholic beverages, as defined in California Business and Professions Code Section 23004, as that code section may be amended or supplemented or renumbered, shall not be sold in quantities smaller than 750 milliliters.

2. Beer and Wine Convenience Stores and Vehicle Service Stations. The sale of beer in quantities of fewer than six cans or bottles is prohibited and no alcoholic beverage shall be sold in unit quantities less than the distributor’s intended resale units.

• D. The sale of malt liquor is prohibited at beer and wine convenience stores and vehicle service stations.

• E. The sale of alcohol at beer and wine convenience stores shall be limited to the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025).

A. Conditional Use Permit Required. Any vehicle service station otherwise permitted in the relevant zoning classification may only sell for off-premises consumption beer and wine as defined in California Business and Professions Code Sections 23006 and 23007, as those code sections may be amended, supplemented, or renumbered, only with a valid conditional use permit, which shall contain all conditions required under CMC 20.52.090 and 20.52.100 and the following additional conditions:

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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1. Sale of beer and wine shall be limited to the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

2. At all times between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or when beer and wine is offered for sale if it is offered for sale at fewer hours, there shall be at least two attendants on duty, one of whom shall be responsible for the sale of beer and wine.

3. At all times between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or when beer and wine is offered for sale if it is offered for sale at fewer hours, any attendant who is authorized to sell beer and/or wine must have participated in a licensee education on alcohol and drugs class put on by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or a similar class approved by the city or must participate in such class within two months of his or her employment as a sales clerk. Establishments must maintain proof of such attendance on the premises and present such proof upon request to the community development department.

B. Special Requirements. Approval of a conditional use permit application for the concurrent sale of motor vehicle fuel and beer and wine for off-site consumption shall be made in conformance with and pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Section 23790.5. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018. Formerly 20.52.090).

A. Applicability. Pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Section 23958.4(b)(2), whenever an applicant for an ABC liquor license is required by ABC to obtain a determination of public convenience or necessity (PCN) from the local governing body, the applicant shall follow the provisions set forth in Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 1, unless otherwise specified in this section. For the purpose of this section, “applicant” means the same person(s), business, or entity which has applied for a liquor license with the California State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

B. Designated Approving Authority. The designated approving authority shall be the same approving authority as the alcohol use listed in Chapter 20.52 CMC, Table 20.52-2, with the exception that the community development director shall have the right to delegate a PCN determination to the planning commission at their discretion.

C. Issuance or Denial Procedures and Required Findings. The determining authority shall approve or deny the application for a PCN determination within 90 days of receiving a completed application, unless additional information is requested of the applicant, in which case the determining authority shall approve or deny the application within 90 days of receiving any additional information. The designated authority may either deny the application and specify the grounds upon which the denial is based; or may approve the application, when the determining authority determines that the application complied with the following findings:

1. Issuance of the proposed alcohol license will enhance the quality of life for the public within the area.

2. Issuance of the proposed alcohol license will serve the community surrounding the applicant’s premises.

3. Issuance of the proposed alcohol license will enhance economic viability of the area in which the premises will be located.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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4. Issuance of the proposed alcohol license will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025).

• A. Rights of Appeal and Review. Any interested party may appeal decisions of the director of community development to the planning commission. Any interested party to the city council may appeal decisions of the planning commission.

• B. Procedures. Procedures for appeals and calls for review shall be as prescribed by Chapter 20.84 CMC (Permit Procedures). (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).

A. Expiration. Any use permit for alcohol sale or service granted in accordance with the terms of Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 5 shall expire within 12 months from the date of approval unless a license has been issued or transferred by the California State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control prior to the expiration date.

• B. Time Extension. An application for a time extension shall be made in writing to the community development department no less than 30 days or more than 90 days prior to the expiration date.

• C. Violation of Terms. The planning commission upon referral from the director of community development may revoke a use permit for alcohol sale or service upon making one or more of the following findings:

  1. That the permit was issued erroneously or on the basis of misleading information or misrepresentation.

  2. That the terms or conditions of approval of the permit have been violated or that other laws or regulations have been violated.

  3. The establishment for which the permit was issued is being operated in an illegal or disorderly manner.

  4. Noise from the establishment for which the permit was issued violates noise provisions (CMC 9.04.020)

  5. The business or establishment for which the permit was issued has had or is having an adverse impact on the health, safety, or welfare of the neighborhood or the general public.

  6. There is a violation of or failure to maintain a valid Alcoholic Beverage Control license.

  7. The business or establishment fails to fully comply with all the rules, regulations and orders of the California State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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D. Discontinuance. A use permit for alcohol sale or service shall lapse if the use is discontinued for 90 consecutive days or if the Alcoholic Beverage Control license for the establishment has been revoked or transferred to a different location.

E. Revocation. Procedures for revocation shall be as prescribed by Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 5, except that all revocation hearings shall be held by the planning commission. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).