California Craft Beer on Tap for Farmers Markets

California Craft Brewers Association Applauds Governor Brown for Signing AB 774

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 15, 2015) – Tom McCormick, executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), issued the following statement today in response to Governor Jerry Brown signing Assembly Bill 774, authored by Assembly Member Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) and sponsored by the CCBA.

“AB 774 is an exciting development for the craft beer industry in California. This bill allows craft brewers to offer tastings at their regional Farmers Markets, allowing breweries to introduce the art of craft beer to new audiences across the state. Potential customers can sample the beers they may be purchasing for off-site consumption and breweries can connect directly with local craft beer enthusiasts and access additional sales opportunities. This bill supports the craft brewing industry’s growing contribution to the California economy and allows local breweries to educate their customers on the rich diversity of locally made beers.

“AB 774 will also allow non-profits to receive beer donations from breweries to assist them in their fundraising activities, including auctions and raffles. Currently, non-profit special event license holders are not allowed to sell donated beer for off-site consumption. This is an exciting development for CCBA’s brewery members, many of which are very involved in community charity organizations across the state.

“This year has been marked by tremendous growth and support for the craft beer industry in California, an industry that contributed more than $6.5 billion to the state economy in 2014. CCBA member breweries applaud Gov. Brown for continuing to encourage the community of California’s craft brewers and thank Assembly Member Marc Levine for authoring AB 774. We are looking forward to a strong future for craft beer in California.”