AGENT, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE Statewide
- Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC)
- Various Locations Statewide
- Jun 30, 2026
Job Description
DEPARTMENT STATEMENT
ABC values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. ABC believes the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Join ABC and help us provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.
APPOINTMENT/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Successful candidates who have already met the POST training requirements will be appointed on a permanent, full-time basis. Successful candidates who have not met the POST training requirements will be appointed on a limited-term, full-time basis. Upon successful completion of the required POST training, the limited-term incumbent will be appointed to the Agent position on a permanent, full-time basis.
SUMMARY
Under general supervision of a Supervising Agent, incumbent independently conducts investigations regarding criminal and administrative violations committed on or about ABC licensed premises by licensees, their employees, and/or members of the general public, which requires knowledge and application of investigative techniques and procedures. Agents are required to work irregular shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, and have occasional travel. Occasional overtime may be required.
Perform a full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities in an ethical, professional, and transparent manner. Provide proactive law enforcement functions and investigate complaints of ABC violations from the public, local community organizations and law enforcement agencies. Conduct investigations regarding any criminal and administrative violations committed on or about ABC licensed premises by licensees, their employees, and/or members of the general public. Conduct investigations in an undercover, plain clothes or high profile capacity. Make physical arrests for criminal offenses. Develop operation plans and safely execute them. Write criminal citations. Locate and interview victims, witnesses and suspects. Seize, collect and process physical evidence. Examine a variety of records, investigative reports, and other evidentiary and investigative documents. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate documents and reports detailing investigation activities and findings. Develop and maintain liaison with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies. Work with local law enforcement agencies on field operations and special assignments. Provide specialized training and other resources as requested
EDUCATION INCENTIVE
Agents with an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Intermediate POST certificate will receive a 2.5% salary differential of the base pay. Agents with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Advanced POST certificate will receive a 5% salary differential of the base pay.
This job posting will have a final filing date of May 6, 2025.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- Concord (Contra Costa)
- Santa Clara (San Jose)
- Sonoma (Santa Rosa)
- Los Angeles (Cerritos, Van Nuys)
- San Diego (San Diego)
- San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo)
Martin Rivera
Qualifications
State
Immediate Fill
About ABC
The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.
Our Values
Trust – We serve the public and one another with fairness and integrity.
Innovation – We embrace emerging change for continuous improvement.
Professionalism – We are ethical and respectful in all that we do.
Our Vision
Protect California communities through excellence in alcohol regulation and education.
History
Upon the repeal of prohibition in 1933 and the return of the legal sale of alcoholic beverages to California, taxation and regulation of the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages were given to the State Board of Equalization. In 1955, an amendment to the State Constitution became effective removing the duty of regulating the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages from the State Board of Equalization and placing it in the new Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Organization
The department’s workload is divided into three elements: administration, licensing, and compliance. The department’s headquarters in Sacramento consists of the Director’s office and other offices performing licensing, fiscal management, legal, trade practices, training, and personnel/labor relations and other administrative support functions for the department.
Agents and Licensing Representatives investigate applications for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages and report on the moral character and fitness of applicants and the suitability of premises where sales are to be conducted. Less complex license applications are reviewed and processed by non-sworn Licensing Representatives. These reports are reviewed at the District Office and are forwarded to Headquarters in Sacramento for further review and processing. If the license is denied, or if its issuance is protested, the applicant is entitled to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. After hearing the evidence, the Administrative Law Judge makes a proposed decision which is reviewed by the Legal Section of the department and acted upon by the Director.
ABC Agents are peace officers under Section 830.2 of the California Penal Code and are empowered to investigate and make arrests for violations of the Business and Professions Code that occur on or about licensed premises. Agents are further empowered to enforce any penal provisions of the law any place in the State. Licensees who violate State laws or local ordinances are subject to disciplinary action and may have their licenses suspended or revoked. These licensees are entitled to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and an appellate process to the State Supreme Court.
Martin Rivera