Alcohol Exemption Permit

Opening a restaurant in Orange just got easier. The City's Alcohol Exemption Permit (AEP) offers qualifying restaurants a faster, more affordable path to serving alcohol — no conditional use permit required.

Restaurants that agree to a standard set of operating criteria can skip the conditional use permit process entirely, saving months of review time and a significant share of permitting costs. Review the full ordinance here.

Who Qualifies

The AEP is designed for bona fide restaurants — businesses where food is the focus and alcohol is served alongside meals. To remain eligible, your restaurant must operate within the City's criteria and conditions, which include:

• Food first. Quarterly alcohol sales may not exceed food and merchandise sales, and a full menu must be available until closing every day you're open.
• Restaurant operations only. No bar or lounge area, no dancing or live entertainment, no cover charges, and no off-site alcohol sales.
• Standard hours. Indoor service: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m.–midnight Friday and Saturday. Outdoor areas: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily. (Note: Any deviation to these hours are subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP))
• Responsible service. Staff who serve alcohol must complete an Alcohol Management Program (AMP) training and follow responsible-service practices (ID checks, no drink stacking or two-for-one promotions, no self-service alcohol).
• Safety and security. Businesses must maintain an approved security plan, a monitored alarm system, a security camera system with 30-day retention, and adequate parking lot lighting.

The complete list of criteria and conditions is included in the application packet. Businesses are subject to an annual compliance review, and permits may be revoked for non-compliance.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the City's online permit portal. Before you begin, gather the following items:

1. Operations Statement — a description of your business activities, hours of operation, number of employees (total and per shift), and the name of your ABC investigator, if known.
2. Photographs — images of the interior and exterior of the premises.
3. Full Proposed Menu — a PDF or photo of your current or proposed menu.
4. Security Policy & Procedures Manual — your written procedures for checking IDs, handling intoxicated patrons, staffing ratios, loitering, and contacting police.
5. Digital Project Plans — dimensioned floor plans showing kitchen, seating, and support areas, with each seat numbered, the outdoor seating barrier design, and a seating and square footage chart.
6. Security Plan — a plan addressing both physical security (alarms, cameras, locks) and operational security (cash handling, outdoor area access), submitted for City review and approval prior to occupancy.

As the final step of your online application, you'll agree to the Criteria and Conditions of Approval.

Download the Submittal Requirements Checklist (PDF) — includes a sample security plan and seating chart.

Questions?

Contact the City of Orange Planning Division at (714) 744-7220. Our staff can help you determine whether your restaurant qualifies and guide you through the application process.