Alcoholic beverages: market research study: taste testing.

Removed the word 'inducement' from multiple provisions (sections c(4)(A), (B), and (C)), replacing phrases like 'monetary inducement or compensation' with simpler terms like 'monetary payment' or 'uniform payment for participation.'

Changed references from 'consumer' to 'participant' in sections c(4)(B) and c(4)(C), aligning terminology with the rest of the bill.

Section c(7) was reworded to more precisely state that alcoholic beverages evaluated 'during a bona fide market research study pursuant to this section' shall not be sold on the same day as the study to any participant, rather than the broader prior language about beverages 'evaluated in the taste testing.'

Section c(8) changed the context for brand disclosure from 'as part of a taste testing' to 'as part of a bona fide market research study,' narrowing the scope of when manufacturer identity and branding may be revealed.

A new cap of $500 per participant was added for monetary compensation in taste testing studies. Previously there was no dollar limit on inducement or compensation.

The condition that participants be 'encouraged to taste only enough alcoholic beverage product to formulate an opinion' was removed and replaced with a prohibition: participants shall not be provided more taste samples than is reasonably necessary to formulate an opinion related to sensory characteristics.

The same-day sale prohibition was reworded to be more specific: alcoholic beverages evaluated during a bona fide market research study pursuant to this section shall not be sold on the same day as the study to any participant in that study.

The exclusion from participation was clarified. Previously it referenced ownership interest in manufacturers (winegrowers, beer manufacturers, etc.) alongside wholesale/retail licenses in confusing language. Now it clearly states the exclusion applies to persons with an ownership interest in a wholesaler or retail license.

Several references to 'taste testing' were changed to 'bona fide market research study,' including in the same-day sale prohibition and record-keeping requirements, tightening the connection between the activity and its statutory authorization.

A new subsection (d) adds a sunset provision: the entire section is repealed on January 1, 2032. The short title was updated to reflect this ('add and repeal' instead of just 'add').

Age requirement changed from 'over 21 years of age' to 'at least 21 years of age' for both responsible persons administering taste tests and participants. This lowers the minimum age from 22 to 21.

The prohibition on participation in taste testing (subsection 10) was expanded. Previously it only barred persons holding a wholesaler or retail license or ownership interest in the manufacturer. Now it also bars any person who is an employee or agent of a wholesaler or retailer.

New restriction: a taste testing participant shall not be provided more taste samples than is reasonably necessary to formulate an opinion related to the sensory characteristics of an alcoholic beverage.

The amendment to Government Code Section 36513 regarding city council member absences without permission was entirely removed. The bill no longer touches local government law and now focuses exclusively on alcoholic beverage taste testing.

A new cap limits monetary compensation to consumers participating in taste testing to $500 per person, and all participants must receive the same amount on the day of the study.

Alcoholic beverages evaluated in a taste testing session may not be sold to any participant on the same day as the test.

Licensees must maintain records of taste testing for a minimum of three years.

A single consumer may not participate in more than three taste tests per year conducted by the same licensee.

Any person who holds a wholesaler or retail license or has an ownership interest in the licensee is prohibited from participating in a taste testing.

A new provision explicitly permits disclosure of manufacturer identity, brands, packaging, advertising, merchandising concepts, and logos to participants during taste testing.

The fiscal committee vote requirement changed from 'no' to 'yes,' meaning the bill now requires fiscal committee approval before passage.

Added Business and Professions Code Section 25600.01, creating a new legal framework for alcohol taste testing in market research studies. This is the primary substantive change and significantly expands the bill's scope beyond its original purpose.

Restricts where taste testing may occur: not in or about any location licensed by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, except on the licensee's own premises.

Specifies which license holders may conduct taste testing: licensed winegrowers, beer manufacturers, distilled spirits manufacturers, craft distillers, brandy manufacturers, rectifiers, or wine rectifiers.

Requires that only Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certified 'responsible persons' over 21 administer or assist with taste testing, and that participants be over 21 and encouraged to taste only enough product to formulate an opinion.

Prohibits giving inducement or compensation other than monetary to consumers for participation in taste testing.

Prohibits using taste testing as a subterfuge for furnishing prohibited alcoholic beverage samples, and prohibits using data, analyses, or conclusions from taste testing in advertising or promotional activity.

Changed 'councilmember' to 'council member' and replaced gendered pronouns ('he or she') with gender-neutral 'they' in Government Code Section 36513. These are nonsubstantive language updates.

Fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' indicating the amendment introduces a fiscal impact requiring analysis.