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Congratulation New Director of The Department of ABC Eric Hirata
The Neighborhood Market Associations leadership and the entire membership congratulates Mr. Eric Hirata for his appointment to be the new Director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
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Mr. Hirata was appointed to the position of Director of ABC by Governor Gavin Newsom on July 15, 2020. He previously served as Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control since August 18, 2017.
Eric Hirata began his career as an Agent in the Inglewood District Office in 1996. He was later assigned to the Department’s Special Operations Unit in both Southern and Northern California. He was promoted to Supervising Agent and Supervising Agent
Samir Salem, Director Eric Hirata and Arkan Somo
in Charge in the San Francisco District Office and was later called to serve in two different administrative assignments in Headquarters. He served as the Department’s Legislative Director where he collaborated with stakeholders on policy and legislative matters and acted as the Department liaison to the California State Legislature.
Mr. Hirata also served as the Program Manager for the Department’s Grant Unit where he was responsible for allocating grants to local law enforcement agencies under the Grant Assistance Program and worked in partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention on federal grants. In 2009, he was promoted to Deputy Division Chief in the Northern Division Office where he assumed responsibility for the Department’s district offices throughout Northern California.
The NMA’s leadership is looking forward to working with Mr. Hirata and department staff to help educate NMA members on the latest changes in legislation and department rules. The NMA has a 25-year partnership history with the ABC working proactively to keep retailers in compliance and protect their livelihood. We recognize the department for providing the highest level of service and commitment to public safety through licensing and enforcement.
