Senator Skinner’s “Craft Distiller Op-pour-tunity” Act Passes Committee Vote

In a move that’s sure to lift the spirits of California’s small distilleries, State Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) SB 1164, the “Craft Distiller Op-pour-tunity” Act passed out of the California State Senate Governmental Organization Committee with bipartisan support and now goes on to Senate Appropriations. The Craft Distiller Op-pour-tunity Act would modify existing regulations to give craft distillers more leeway to sell and offer samples of their products.

“The Craft Distillers Act of 2015 recognized the value of California’s small batch distillers,” said Skinner. “SB 1164 furthers that effort by putting the regulations governing craft distillers more on par with those in place for wineries and brew pubs.”

Overall, SB 1164 would allow craft distillers to operate more like small wineries and brew pubs. By raising the amount of spirits a craft distiller can produce, SB 1164 will help craft distillers expand their business and thrive economically while still keeping the annual production for craft distillers small. 

SB 1164 contains provisions to enhance visitors’ ability to experience a distillery’s full range of offerings. Also similar to wineries and breweries, SB 1164 would give craft distillers the opportunity to sell their product to people visiting the distillery but who haven’t participated in a tasting. 

Craft distillers are an essential part of California’s trailblazing epicurean and farm to table movement,” said Skinner. “SB 1164 supports these small distilleries and helps them showcase their products sensibly and responsibly.”

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.
 

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