CaliforniaAB 12462025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Alcoholic beverages: applications for licenses.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

More ways wineries can sell and serve

Licensed wineries can sell wine and brandy to any licensed seller. Wineries may sell to consumers to take home and to drink on site. If a winery runs a bona fide eating place on or next to the premises, it can sell beer, wine, and brandy there and use them in food and drinks. Wineries can make spirits of wine, blend them into their own wine, or sell those spirits to licensed industrial alcohol dealers or distillers. Wineries may possess and move brandy to store and age it on their premises. For private events not open to the public, wineries may serve beer, wine, and brandy, but any non-house products must be bought from a licensed wholesaler.

On-site production rule and local limits

Wineries must produce on their premises at least 50% of the wine they sell to customers on their premises and any branch premises. The department may deny on-sale rights for a bona fide eating place whose main entrance is within 200 feet of a school or church if it finds granting the privilege would be contrary to public welfare or morals.

Craft distiller license rules and limits

The law creates a craft distiller license for businesses that make spirits. You can make, mix, and blend spirits and sell only to certain licensees or for delivery out of state. You may sell up to 4.5 liters per customer per day in prepackaged bottles you made on site. You must stay under 150,000 gallons a year and make at least 65% yourself. You cannot get this license if you are tied to a wholesaler or a large producer. At renewal, you must report your volumes; if you exceed the limits, your license renews as a distilled spirits manufacturer.

Ship spirits to customers with permit

The law lets craft distillers and qualifying out-of-state distillers ship spirits directly to California consumers. You can ship up to 2.25 liters per customer per day for personal use. You must hold a distilled spirits direct shipper permit, pay Type 82 fees, keep records, label packages, and get an adult (21+) signature at delivery. Out-of-state permitholders must report total shipments by January 1, 2027, and accept audits and California jurisdiction; any hearing is in Sacramento. Shipping without a permit, or knowingly handling those shipments, is a misdemeanor. These direct-shipping rules end on January 1, 2027, unless extended.

Open container zones for winery customers

If a winery is inside a local entertainment zone and local law allows it, customers may leave with open containers to drink in the zone. The winery must follow strict rules on hours, container types (no open glass or metal), where drinks can go, and must file a yearly notice. The department can block this when a winery’s license has conditions that conflict with it, but off-sale limits do not stop open-container removal into the zone as described.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Josh Hoover
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 272 • No: 1

House vote • 9/13/2025

Item 139 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 73 • No: 1

legislature vote • 9/12/2025

Vote in CX07

Yes: 17 • No: 0

Senate vote • 9/11/2025

Item 159 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 40 • No: 0

legislature vote • 8/29/2025

Vote in CS61

Yes: 7 • No: 0

legislature vote • 8/18/2025

Vote in CS61

Yes: 7 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/8/2025

Vote in CS48

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote • 5/12/2025

Item 97 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 76 • No: 0

legislature vote • 5/7/2025

Vote in CX25