Q: Why should I use CSA?

A: Because we're good at what we do. We don't claim to have any magic powers or silver bullets but we've done this type of work for a long time and this is the only type of work we do. We have good relationships with regulators across the country -- they don't do us any favors mind you, they can't! However, we do take extra care to make sure our applications are complete and easy for them to process. If a regulator needs additional information, they know they'll get it promptly from us.

Read more about CSA and national compliance. TOP

Q: What is a Licensing Plan?

A: A Licensing Plan is a written plan for licensing your business or new location. It is a document CSA prepares for you which is a summary of our due diligence for your licensing project.

Before CSA begins a new licensing project, a short due diligence phase is performed which allows us to look into the address, ownership, operations, and other factors which effect the licensing project. The report starts with your objectives, lists the recommended license or permits, explains the relevant privileges of those licenses and permits, and recommends adjustments to the planned operations, if needed.

In short, a Licensing Plan is a customized summary of your licensing project. Afer CSA has completed a Licensing Plan, a flat fee is calculated for that project and provided for your review.
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Q: I need to purchase a license, can you help me?

A: Yes, we can help you understand what you need and where to get it but we do not broker licenses. CSA’s services include the preparation and filing of applications to transfer alcoholic beverage licenses to a new owner. When needed, CSA works closely with license brokers or other agents to make sure the transaction proceeds smoothly.
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Q: How much does it cost to get a license?

A: While this is a common question, it cannot be reliably answered without knowing what type of establishment will be operated and the city and state where the licensed business will be located. The first step CSA takes on any project is due diligence and research to make sure the license needed for the planned operations is available and is likely to be issued. The results of the due diligence are written up into a Licensing Plan which details the project. Once the Licensing Plan has been prepared, a flat fee will be calculated for the project.
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Q: Are there any compliance areas you don't handle?

A: Not really. However, there are some projects which are better for us to do than others. Start up licensing, reporting acquisitions and changes and consultation regarding all sorts of licensing issues are the types of projects we do the most. We also help with winery audits, out of state shipping licenses for wineries, tax reporting, franchise tax law analysis, label approvals, protest resolution, new market feasibility, shareholder reports...the list is long!

If any project or part of a project is better handled by another specialist, we will happily refer you to one of our colleagues.
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Q: How do you handle due diligence?

A: Once authorized to begin, we'll make a phone appointment for you with one of our consultants to discuss your plans. Depending on the situation, we may ask you to provide some background information so can review it before starting the project. The due diligence phase ends with a "Licensing Plan" which is a written description of the licensing you need, based on our understanding of your operational plans. This Licensing Plan is the basis for a flat fee quote which we will also provide at that time.
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Q: If I hire CSA to prepare a Licensing Plan, am I committed to having CSA handle the licensing?

A: Of course not. If you do decide to have CSA do the licensing for you, we will be very familiar with your company and operation plans. The due diligence allows us to provide a well-tuned flat fee which is customized to your project and the amount of work we are expecting to do for you. On the other hand, if you decide to do the licensing yourself or have someone else do it, you have the Licensing Plan so you are well prepared to proceed yourself or to direct others because you'll know what you need.
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Q: How much do you charge?

A: This really depends on what you need.

The work we do is not "cookie-cutter" style, rather is it quite customized to the needs and priorities of your business and operational plans. Once we have reviewed your plans and prepared a Licensing Plan, we can provide reliable quotes for business planning.

It is very important to us that our clients are happy with the fees we charge and the service provided. If at any time during a project you have questions about our services or fees, please contact us directly either by e-mail or by phone at 800-400-1353.