A bill signed by Governor Brown over the weekend will allow craft distillers to act more like wineries and breweries thanks to SB 1164.
This bill would increase the maximum amount of distilled spirits that a craft distiller is permitted to manufacture from 100,000 gallons to 150,000 gallons. The bill also gives craft distillers the opportunity to sell their products to people visiting the distillery even when those visitors haven’t participated in a tasting.
Here is the official press release:
Sacramento, CA — Governor Brown signed State Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) SB 1164, the “Craft Distiller Op-pour-tunity” Act.
SB 1164 loosens restrictions so that California’s small batch craft distillers have more leeway to produce and sell their creations—a change sure to lift the spirits of artisanal producers.
“Craft distillers, with their emphasis on locally sourced California ingredients, capture and bottle the essence of California’s Farm to Table movement,” said Skinner. “With SB 1164, it’s now easier for us to responsibly enjoy these local products.”
SB 1164 raises the amount of spirits California’s craft distillers can produce, while still keeping craft distillers well below the production levels of large-scale manufacturers. By doing so, SB 1164 lets California’s small craft distillers maintain their licenses even as they expand their businesses and market reach.
SB 1164 also allows craft distillers to operate more like California’s wineries and breweries by giving craft distillers the opportunity to sell their products to people visiting the distillery even when those visitors haven’t participated in a tasting.
“SB 1164 lets people purchase directly from our artisanal distillers, just like they are able to from a winery,” said Senator Skinner. “I raise my glass to Governor Brown for signing this bill in support of California’s craft distillers.”
Senator Nancy Skinner (@NancySkinnerCA) represents the 9th Senate District. She serves as Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee and the Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety and the Judiciary.
