The Craft Distillers Act of 2015 (AB 1295) currently passing through California legislature, would permit craft distillers who offer tastings to sell three 750-ml bottles of spirits directly to customers and operate up to three restaurants on-site. The bill limits sales to three bottles per day and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control would only be allowed to issue licenses to California distillers who produce less than 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. Under current law, which spans back to the Prohibition era, distilled spirits manufacturers are not only prohibited from selling directly to customers, but are also not allowed to serve more than six samples, at a volume no greater than a quarter ounce.
Assemblyman Marc Levine pushed for the bill in an effort to support California's booming craft spirits industry. The bill will level the playing field between smaller spirit distillers and the craft beer and wine industry.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has yet to meet about the bill, but if approved, would return to the Assembly for a vote as early as January 2016.
Assemblyman Marc Levine pushed for the bill in an effort to support California's booming craft spirits industry. The bill will level the playing field between smaller spirit distillers and the craft beer and wine industry.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has yet to meet about the bill, but if approved, would return to the Assembly for a vote as early as January 2016.