The maximum penalty for serving alcohol after hours, specifically in California under Business and Professions Code § 25631, is classified as a misdemeanor. The penalties include:
- Up to 6 months in county jail, and/or
- A maximum fine of $1,000
This applies to any sale or service of alcohol between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., which is prohibited by law. Enhanced penalties, including longer jail time and higher fines, may apply if there are multiple violations or prior offenses
. In other jurisdictions, penalties can vary significantly. For example, in Queensland, Australia, fines for irresponsible service of alcohol can reach up to AUD 80,650 for a first offense, with potential imprisonment for subsequent offenses
. In the UK, supplying alcohol after permitted hours can lead to up to 6 months imprisonment and/or fines up to £20,000 per sale/supply
. However, focusing on the most detailed information from California law, the maximum penalty is 6 months jail and/or a $1,000 fine for serving alcohol after hours.
