Polite Provisions Set To Reopen In San Diego After Liquor License Suspension

Polite Provisions, the celebrated cocktail bar in San Diego's Normal Heights, is set to welcome back patrons this week following a nearly three-month closure due to a liquor license violation.

Since its opening in 2013, Polite Provisions has faced numerous regulatory hurdles with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The bar's unique approach to cocktail preparation, including batching, house-made syrups, and draft cocktails, has led to several conflicts with state regulations.

In November 2024, Polite was hit with another license suspension, due to issues with suspension notices allegedly mishandled by construction crews. Previous suspensions included a 30-day closure in 2022 for patrons leaving with open containers and a 2020 penalty for refilling liquor bottles.

Polite Provisions ownership, Consortium Holdings, has used this time of closure for introspection and improvement. In an extensive Instagram post when the bar first closed this past November, the company detailed its journey from an experimental cocktail establishment to a nationally recognized venue, reflecting on the clash between creativity and regulation. The management, under Consortium Holdings, has taken significant steps to align with ABC rules, including transferring the liquor license to Old Sport Inc. and physically reconfiguring the bar to prevent future violations.
To celebrate its return, Polite Provisions has undergone a facelift, refreshing its ambiance to match its renewed commitment to both creativity and compliance. Alongside the new look, the bar has retooled its cocktail menu, introducing new favorites and a thoughtful batch of fresh elixirs. This redesign aims to keep the spirit of Polite Provisions alive while ensuring regulatory harmony.

Despite past regulatory challenges, Polite Provisions has maintained a loyal following, appreciated for its contributions to San Diego's cocktail culture. The bar's innovative spirit has not only been recognized locally but has also garnered national attention, including being named a James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Bar Program and receiving a Spirited Award at Tales of the Cocktail.

Polite Provisions will reopen at 4696 30th Street in San Diego's University Heights/North Park on January 31, 2025. For more information, visit politeprovisions.com.

Originally published on January 30, 2025.