Assembly Bill 933 (Skinner-Hall) Taste California

ISSUE

When prohibition ended in 1933, California enacted a series of statues known as tied house laws. These laws separate liquor trade into three separate levels: producers, wholesalers, and retailers. The intention of these laws was for the three levels to remain separate. However, the Legislature has granted many specific exemptions; exemplified by the wine and beer industry, as they manufacture, sell, and market their own products. Such exemptions have yet to be applied to distilled spirits manufacturers whose products have been gaining much popularity in the state of California. There are roughly 32 small business distilleries in the state; some common brands produced are Hangar One Vodka and St. George Spirits. These distilleries manufacture a variety of products including, but not limited to, gin, vodka, rum and bourbon. Currently, distilleries may provide their customers complementary tastings of their products, but may not charge for tastings. In order to educate consumers about their products, distilleries must hire staff. The ability to charge for tastings will allow distilleries to provide great customer service to market their product while remaining financially sustainable. The ability to charge for tastings is also aligned with what the wine and beer industries are allowed to do.
AB 933 (SKINNER-HALL)

AB 933 would authorize distilled spirits manufacturers and brandy manufacturers to charge consumers for tastings on their licensed premises and would impose additional conditions on the provision of tastings by the licensee on the licensed premises. Additionally, AB 933 would eliminate the requirement that persons attending an event involving distilled spirits tastings, sponsored by a nonprofit organization, must be affiliated with the sponsor.
Assemblymember Nancy Skinner Staff Contact: Alison Merrilees (916) 319-2015 or Alison.merrilees@asm.ca.gov

SUPPORT California Artisanal Distillers Guild (Sponsor) California Farm Bureau Federation

Assemblymember Nancy Skinner Staff Contact: Alison Merrilees (916) 319-2015 or Alison.merrilees@asm.ca.gov