BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 685
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Date of Hearing: August 19, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
SB 685
(McGuire) - As Amended August 17, 2015
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|Policy |Governmental Organization |Vote:|18 - 0 |
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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
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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
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