Alcoholic beverages licensees: contests and sweepstakes.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act prohibits any licensee from giving any premium, gift, or free goods in connection with the sale or distribution of any alcoholic beverage, except as provided. This bill would permit an authorized licensee, as defined, to conduct a consumer contest, as defined, and conduct or sponsor consumer sweepstakes, as defined, offering the chance to win prizes, if specified conditions are met. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act provides that a violation of any of its provisions for which another penalty or punishment is not specifically provided is a misdemeanor. This bill would expand existing crimes by imposing additional duties on a licensee under the act, thus, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.