BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 685 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 19, 2015 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Jimmy Gomez, Chair SB 685 (McGuire) - As Amended August 17, 2015 ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Policy |Governmental Organization |Vote:|18 - 0 | |Committee: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No SUMMARY: This bill allows veterans' clubs that hold a veterans' club alcoholic beverage license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages to other veterans, members of other veterans' organizations, active duty or reserve members of the military, and their bona fide guests. The bill specifies that non-members do not need to sign any roster in order to be served. FISCAL EFFECT: Potential, though likely minor, increase in enforcement costs to SB 685 Page 2 the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). COMMENTS: 1)Purpose. According to the author, the current veterans' club license was established during World War II to allow veterans' organizations to serve alcohol to their members and guests. ABC indicates there are around 315 veterans' club licensees in the state. This bill is intended to broaden the universe of veterans who may be served alcoholic beverages on club premises, increasing opportunities for fundraising to support veterans' assistance programs. 2)Sign Here for Beer? Opponents argue the bill does not require veterans' clubs to verify or record non-members who enter for purposes of alcoholic consumption. As a result, law enforcement may be unable to identify whether a particular individual was actually a veteran, member of the military, or bona fide guest, or was simply a private individual. Opponents believe a sign-in sheet or roster should be required as a condition for non-members purchasing or consuming alcohol at the clubs. Analysis Prepared by:Joel Tashjian / APPR. / (916) 319-2081 SB 685 Page 3