Ex-Chamber CEO Cited for Allegedly Serving Alcohol Without License at Cypress 'Studio'

The former CEO and President of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has been cited for allegedly serving alcohol without a license following an undercover sting operation by Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents at a Cypress Avenue event venue.

Authorities said 'The Studio' owner Jessica Accamando hosted a Sake Tasting Experience on Jan. 30, 2026, at the unit located at 636 Cypress Ave.

Jessica Accamando stood down as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce at the end of last year. She previously served as its President and CEO

Accamando had been warned twice by ABC before the citation was issued, agents said.

After receiving a complaint, two undercover agents purchased $60 tickets to attend the January event, which was advertised on The Studio’s Instagram page. The event was open to the public. The Studio advertises itself on its website as a place where 'Creativity Breaks The Rules.'

“While at the location, we were served sake, an alcoholic beverage,” the report said. The menu included eight samplings of different types of sake.

According to the ABC investigation report, “The Studio” did not have a caterer’s permit or a one-day license for the location or event.

During the tasting, Accamando told guests the Sake Tasting Experience “was the first of many upcoming tasting/pairing events” she would be hosting, the report said. “Accamando said they would have Tequila, wine, and other related tasting/pairing events. She added they planned to do at least one event every quarter.”

When an agent asked whether she would host a beer tasting event, “Accamando answered that they would have a beer tasting event since she knows many people in the beer industry,” authorities said.

An extract from the full ABC report into the undercover operation on January 30th

The ABC (click to expand)

The ABC in California stands for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

∙ Purpose: The state agency responsible for regulating the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in California.

∙ Licensing: Issues and oversees all liquor licenses — for bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, retail stores, and more.

∙ Enforcement: Conducts inspections and undercover operations to catch violations like sales to minors, over-serving, or operating without a license.

∙ Authority: Can suspend, revoke, or deny licenses and issue fines for violations.

∙ Scope: Regulates over 90,000 licensed businesses statewide — one of the largest such agencies in the U.S.

∙ Local coordination: Works alongside local law enforcement and planning agencies (like city councils and planning commissions) on conditional use permits (CUPs) tied to alcohol sales.

∙ Appeals process: Licensees can appeal ABC decisions through an administrative process and, ultimately, the courts.

The Studio has had prior contact with ABC agents.

After receiving an anonymous tip, ABC agents told Accamando on Feb. 28, 2025, that she needed a liquor license or temporary license for alcohol-related events she hosted at the location.

On March 7, 2025, ABC’s Lakewood District Office received a complaint regarding a “Paint and Sip” event advertised on the business’s Instagram page. Undercover agents attended the event, described as “bottomless wine,” and then identified themselves to Accamando, informing her she needed a liquor license.

“Accamando stated that she understood,” the report said. She was not cited at that time.

Accamando was ultimately cited for selling alcohol without a license in connection with the Jan. 30 event and was ordered to appear in Torrance Superior Court on May 19.

City rules on events in the Cypress District were relaxed last year as part of a review that looked specifically at the provision of alcohol and amplified sound. Opponents warned at the time of potential problems involving The Studio's program, raising concerns over possible safety and public nuisance issues.

Speaking before the Planning Commission as part of that review on February 18th last year, Accamando said that "...it seems crazy that we can't have small events where legally there can be provided wine by somebody with a catering license or a temporary ABC license."

Ten days after that meeting, Accamando was specifically advised by ABC officers over event licensing requirements. One week after that they conducted their first undercover enforcement operation at The Studio during an unlicensed event.

An ABC spokesman told The Hermosa Review last week that “…sale of alcohol without a license (B&P 23300) is a misdemeanor. Deciding to file charges is determined by the local district attorney and ABC has no say in that process. The severity of the penalties are usually based on whether it’s a first offense or a repeat offense—a first offense could result in up to six months in jail (which is rare) as well as potential fines and community service requirements.”