Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
The primary impact of AB 2228 is the clarification of existing regulations regarding types of alcohol that fall under the jurisdiction of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. By making a nonsubstantive change to the language, the bill aims to enhance compliance and streamline regulations for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers involved in the alcoholic beverage industry. This could potentially reduce legal ambiguities for stakeholders in the industry regarding what alcohol is subject to state regulation.
Assembly Bill No. 2228, introduced by Assembly Member Bigelow on February 15, 2022, aims to amend Section 23110 of the Business and Professions Code, specifically in relation to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. This act is essential in regulating the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages within California. The bill addresses provisions concerning completely denatured ethyl alcohol and special denatured ethyl alcohol, which are already exempt from certain controls under current law.
While the bill does not introduce substantial changes to regulatory processes, there may be debates surrounding the implications of denatured alcohol not being regulated in the same manner as other alcoholic beverages. Some stakeholders might argue that these alterations could influence accountability and safety measures in the industry. Furthermore, critics could raise concerns about the state’s capacity to adequately monitor and enforce the regulations surrounding denatured alcohol to prevent misuse.