BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 351
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Date of Hearing: May 11, 2011
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
Isadore Hall, Chair
AB 351 (Chesbro) - As Introduced: February 10, 2011
SUBJECT : Alcoholic beverages: instruction: tastings.
SUMMARY : This bill would specifically reference the
"composition of the beer or wine" as a subject which may be
included in specific type of tastings or instruction by a
winegrower, beer manufacturer, or a beer and wine wholesaler
while instructing licensees and their employees on the subject
of wine or beer
EXISTING LAW :
1) Establishes the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
(ABC) and grants it exclusive authority to administer the
provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (ABC Act) in
accordance with laws enacted by the Legislature.
2) Permits a winegrower, beer manufacturer, or a beer and wine
wholesaler to instruct licensees and their employees on the
subject of wine or beer, including but not limited to, the
history, nature, values, and characteristics of those beverages,
as provided.
3) Provides that a distilled spirits manufacturers and
winegrowers are allowed to conduct tastings of their products at
specified events, as specified.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown.
COMMENTS :
According to the sponsor, the California Small Brewers
Association (CSBA), "our members who represent approximately
ninety-five percent of the craft beer production in California,
are producing award-winning beers that are increasingly being
recognized and purchased in national and international markets."
As the popularity of these brands has increased, similar to the
California wine industry, California's craft breweries have
installed tasting rooms to accommodate consumers and to
facilitate tourism and economic growth in their local
AB 351
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communities. Craft breweries are also taking advantage of
expanded opportunities for on-site beer tastings at restaurants
and bars.
During these tasting events, consumers consistently inquire as
to the actual composition
of the beers and are curious about specific ingredients due to
various gastronomic interests or
food allergies. CSBA, states, "It is not clear in the law that
craft brewers or their representatives are allowed to provide
this information. AB 351 will affirmatively provide this
authority."
The sponsor states, by clarifying the law in this manner, this
measure will be consistent with this state's economic recovery
goals and while promoting California businesses and their
increasingly popular products to local, national and
international consumers.
Prior legislation : SB 1548 (Murray), Chapter 670, Statutes of
2006. Authorized beer manufacturers and wholesalers to offer
beer samples (not to exceed 8 ounces per person, per day) to
individuals of legal drinking age at on-sale retail licensed
premises under specified conditions.
AB 2285 (Valerie Brown), Chapter 248, Statutes of 1998. Allowed
on-sale retail licensees to offer limited tastings of wine or
distilled spirits at the licensed establishment.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
California Small Brewers Association
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by : Eric Johnson / G. O. / (916) 319-2531
AB 351
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