Beer manufacturers: direct shipper permits.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which is administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, regulates the application, issuance, and suspension of alcoholic beverage licenses. Existing law authorizes a person licensed in California or any other state as a winegrower who obtains a wine direct shipper permit to sell and ship wine directly to a resident of California, who is 21 years of age or older, for the resident's personal use and not for resale. This bill would authorize a person licensed in this state or any other state as a beer manufacturer who obtains a beer direct shipper permit to sell and ship beer directly to a resident of California, who is 21 years of age or older, for the resident's personal use and not for resale. The bill would impose various requirements on beer direct shipper permitholders before they could begin shipping, including obtaining a seller's permit or registering with the State Board of Equalization. This bill would prohibit sales and shipments of beer directly to consumers in California from beer manufacturers who do not possess a beer direct shipper permit. The bill would provide that a person who knowingly makes, participates in, transports, imports, or receives such a shipment would be guilty of a misdemeanor. By expanding the definition of a crime, this 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.