ABC Public Convenience or Necessity
Determination of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN)
In 1994, the Legislature added Section 23958.4 to the State of California Business and Professions Code, which provides that cities and counties review certain alcoholic beverage license applications in areas having an “undue concentration” of such beverage licenses. Local jurisdictions are to determine whether public convenience or necessity would be served by the issuance of these licenses and inform the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
When is a PCN Application Required?
A determination of PCN from the County of Ventura is required when applying for any on-sale or off-sale (beer/wine, general/public premises) ABC license within a census tract or crime reporting area that is overconcentrated. If ABC determines that the application falls within the definition of an undue concentration, they may make a request of the County of Ventura to make a determination of public convenience or necessity.
Requirements for Submittal of PCN Application
- Completed Determination of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN) Application
- ABC Public Convenience or Necessity Determination Fee (See Current Planning Division Fee Schedule)
- Copy of ABC Determination of Undue Concentration: Form 245 PCN Referral
- Copy of Existing Planned Development Permit (PD) or Conditional Use Permit (CUP). If required and no such entitlement exists, the PCN application must be submitted together with the appropriate entitlement application.
- Letter of Justification (see Determination of PCN application for suggested criteria to include)
To submit a PCN Application, please contact:
Anna Sheydayi
Resource Management Agency
County of Ventura Planning Division
Hall of Administration, Floor 3
800 S. Victoria Ave.
Ventura, CA 93009
Anna.Sheydayi@ventura.org
805-654-2485
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