Gordon & Rees associate Molly Jones of San Francisco wrote an article published in the May 9 issue of The Daily Journal.
In the article, titled “Loosening the rules for California distillers,” Jones discusses the California Craft Distillers Act of 2015, AB 1295, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2016. The recently signed bill is intended to provide equity between craft distillers, those producing less than 100,000 gallons per fiscal year, and their small-label “craft” counterparts in the beer and wine industries.
The main highlights of AB 1295 include the following:
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Creates a new craft distiller’s license.
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Allows direct-to-consumer sales at the distillery.
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Permits restaurant ownership by the distiller.
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Allows service of other alcohol brands at private events on the distilling premises.
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Permits full 1.5 ounce samples and non-alcoholic mixers during distilled spirits tastings.
This is the first time in over 80 years that tied-house restrictions have been loosened as applied to producers of distilled spirits in California. Jones is a member of the Intellectual Property and Commercial Litigation practice groups of Gordon & Rees. She attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.