Craft distillers: direct shipping.
The enactment of AB 920 temporarily modifies the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, offering craft distillers a crucial lifeline as they continue to navigate economic challenges following the pandemic. This legislation allows them to sustain sales by reaching consumers directly, a practice previously permitted as a regulatory relief measure during the pandemic but rescinded on March 31, 2022. By reinstating this capability, the bill is poised to bolster revenues for craft distillers facing losses due to reduced tourism and consumer access to local businesses.
AB 920, introduced by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, facilitates temporary direct shipping of distilled spirits by licensed craft distillers to consumers in California. This bill modifies existing regulations by allowing craft distillers to ship up to 2.25 liters of distilled spirits per day, explicitly for personal use and not for resale. The measure acknowledges the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the craft distilling industry and aims to aid in their recovery by providing these shipping privileges until January 1, 2024.
Overall, the sentiment around AB 920 has been positive among craft distillers, who see it as a necessary measure to mitigate financial hardships. The measure has received broad support in the legislature, underscoring a collective recognition of the importance of supporting local businesses in the face of ongoing economic challenges. Some concerns from legislative opposition may center around the implications of increased access to alcohol and the need to ensure responsible consumption, but these have not notably hindered the bill's progress.
While primarily supported, some contention may arise regarding the labeling and logistics of shipping distilled spirits, and the regulations imposed on delivery methods. The bill stipulates that common carriers must obtain the signature of a person aged 21 or older upon delivery, a provision aimed at preventing underage access to alcohol. This aspect could stir debates around the practicality and enforcement of such stipulations, particularly in domestic shipping scenarios. Nonetheless, the urgency of the legislation reflects a consensus on the need for support during an unprecedented economic downturn.