ABC-SCF Instructions for Winegrowers

COVID-19 Renewal Relief is available to licensees that self-certify that their ABC licensed business meets all the criteria described in Business & Professions Code § 23320.4 as listed on Form ABC-SCF (i.e. waiver).

When to Submit the Waiver

To receive the fee relief, licensees holding a type 02 license must complete and submit the ABC-SCF form no later than June 30, 2022. Waivers received after June 30, 2022 will not be accepted. Please do not submit the waiver until after you receive your renewal notice.

Where to Submit the Waiver

Licensees must visit Renewal Fee Waiver page to verify their eligibility to receive a fee waiver. Licensees whose total renewal balance is eligible for a fee waiver can submit their ABC-SCF online through the Verify Eligibility tool.

Licensees that will have a remaining balance due must send their ABC-SCF with their payment and renewal notice to the mailing address listed on the form. Licensees can obtain a copy of the ABC-SCF form through the Verify Eligibility tool or by visiting the Licensing Forms page on our website.

NOTE: Licensees must only submit one waiver either online or by postal mail for each license number.

Winegrowers Eligible for Relief

The waiver of license renewal fees shall apply only to winegrowers that certify that they meet all the following criteria:

1. The production volume of the type 02 license was less than 100,000 gallons of wine during the fiscal year in which the license expires; and
2. The type 02 license was active between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020, inclusive; and
3. The primary operation of the type 02 license was directly impacted by health and safety restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duplicate 02 licenses are not eligible for fee relief.

Definition of “Active” Status

The fee waiver is only available for 02 license types that were active between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020, inclusive. For the purpose of determining eligibility for this waiver, the term “active” means license privileges were exercised at any time during the specified period at the licensed premises. This does not include any license that was surrendered or that was indefinitely suspended for the entire period specified.

Instructions for Completing a Paper Waiver

Enter the licensee name as it appears on your license certificate. ABC staff will use the contact information provided on the ABC-SCF if additional information is needed. All eligible license types issued under one license number can be included on one waiver.

You must pay the renewal fees for any of your other license types that are not eligible for fee relief. Please send the payment for the remaining balance with this form and your renewal notice. Failure to pay the remaining renewal fee(s) will result in penalty fees and ultimately cancellation of the license.

Notifications

If your request is approved and all remaining renewal fees are paid (if applicable), you will receive your new ABC license certificate by mail. Please allow 6 weeks from the time your request is submitted. If your request is denied, you will be contacted in writing using the mailing address in our records.

Winegrower’s Report

Type 02 licensees must report their production volume of wine each year on the Winegrower’s Annual Report submitted to the department pursuant to section 23327. Because this report is not submitted to the department until after the license expiration date, if a licensee anticipates that the report will show less than 100,000 gallons of wine was produced during the preceding fiscal year, then the waiver request should be submitted. If the report thereafter shows that the licensee was not actually eligible for the waiver, then the full amount of fees shall be payable upon notification from the department. Failure to submit the waiver as required by these guidelines shall not entitle the licensee to a refund if it is later determined that the production of wine was less than 100,000 gallons.

Questions

Additional information about the fee waiver program, including FAQ’s, is available at on the Renewal Fee Waiver page. If you have further questions, please contact your local ABC Office.