AB 445 Becomes Law, Expanding Business Opportunities in Colusa County

(SACRAMENTO, CA) — Assembly Bill 445 (AB 445) was signed into law on Thursday, October 2, by Governor Gavin Newsom. Authored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), AB 445 will provide a critical boost to Colusa County businesses by allowing an exception to existing alcoholic beverage license limits. The law authorizes the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to issue 10 additional on-sale general licenses in Colusa County, in support of local economic growth.

For many small businesses in Colusa County, the inability to obtain a general alcoholic beverage license has been a longstanding barrier to growth. The current law limits the number of licenses a county can issue based on population, leaving many business owners with the costly alternative of purchasing a license from a broker—an expense that can reach up to $400,000. AB 445 alleviates this financial hurdle and opens new opportunities for businesses to expand their offerings and attract visitors.

“AB 445 is a significant step forward for our Colusa County businesses,” said Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry. “For over 20 years, entrepreneurs in our county have faced unnecessary barriers when trying to grow their businesses. This legislation not only supports small business growth but also helps stimulate our local economy.”

Colusa County joins a growing list of California counties that have received additional general licenses to promote economic development, tourism, and small business growth. Previous legislation has provided extra licenses to counties including San Francisco, El Dorado, Inyo, Mariposa, Napa, Placer, and Shasta, with some counties receiving as many as 35 additional licenses.

With the signing of AB 445, Colusa County businesses now have a renewed opportunity to expand their services, foster economic growth, and further contribute to the county’s thriving community.

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