Distilled spirits manufacturers: licenses: tastings.

(1) The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act authorizes a licensed distilled spirits manufacturer to conduct tastings of distilled spirits produced or bottled by, or produced or bottled for, the licensee, on the licensed premises, under specified conditions. The act provides that a violation of its provisions is a misdemeanor, unless otherwise specified. This bill would authorize licensed distilled spirits manufacturers to charge consumers for tastings and would impose additional conditions on the provision of tastings by the licensee, including limiting the size and number of tastes. The bill would provide that a distilled spirits manufacturer's license authorizes the licensee to serve and sell food, general merchandise, and nonalcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises. By expanding the definition of an existing crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) 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.