Santa Barbara County Brewery Changes State ABC Law

Many producers of alcoholic beverages produce more than one type of beverage, as defined by the ABC. Breweries may make cider or have a partner winery. Until recently those producers had to obtain separate licenses to serve their products at separate locations. For small companies like Draughtsmen Aleworks, a local producer of beer, wine and cider and with locations in Santa Barabra, Goltea and a location opening in Solvang soon, that meant extra regulatory and legal hoops to jump through while they try to open their new location. Under current law, they would be required to obtain multiple licenses to serve their beer and their cider at their locations.

That’s where AB 1734 comes in. AB 1734 was brought to the state Assembly by Assemblymember Steve Bennett who was contacted by Draughtsmen Aleworks. AB 1734 is described as a common sense measure, which will allow multiple license holders, under identical ownership, to sell their beer and wine product together at their locations. The bill passed the Senate earlier this month and has enjoyed bipartisan support in both houses. Governor Newsom signed the bill into law in August of 2022.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett said of the bill “many of these types of restrictions are leftover from prohibition and need to be brought into the 21st Century. If we can play a role in responsibly reducing regulatory requirements, we should. I am happy to partner with them in this effort.”

At the Figueroa Law Group we help license all types of small businesses, particularly in the area of alcohol and spirits. These rules and regulations are constantly evolving and changing and we are here to help you successfully grow your business. Contact us today for a free consultation.