California craft breweries can now sell beer at farmers’ markets

Gov. Jerry Brown officially signed AB 2004 that allows the sale of packaged beer at certified farmers’ markets and allows beer manufacturers the ability to sell beer and wine on their own premises during private events.

The measure now authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer to apply to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a certified farmers’ market beer sales permit, which allows the licensee to sell packaged beer at a farmers’ market.

Dave Gull, owner of New Helvetia Brewing Co. in Sacramento, is already planning to apply for this new permit, “Having the ability to sell our product at local farmers’ markets is a great opportunity to visit with customers and engage with the community. We are a local brewery and rely on the local support to continue to grow our business.”

The bill also expands a licensed beer manufacturer’s privileges by authorizing a beer manufacturer to sell or serve beer and wines, regardless of source, to guests during private events held on the licensed beer manufacturer’s premises. Under current law, beer manufacturers without a restaurant are not allowed to have wine or beer other than their own on the brewery premise for any reason. This new law will allow breweries to provide wine to guests attending a private function at the brewery. The demand for private events, such as weddings, at these craft brewery venues is becoming much more prevalent.

“AB 2004 provides craft brewers parity with the privileges currently enjoyed by the wine industry. As the popularity and number of craft breweries grows, AB 2004 assists brewers in reaching new consumers and allowing them to meet the demand of the growing industry,” stated Tom McCormick, executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association.

AB 2004 had bi-partisan support and passed both the Senate and Assembly chambers without opposition. The measure will go into effect on January 1, 2015.