State Senate Approves Skinner’s “Craft Distiller Op-pour-tunity” Act

Today, State Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) SB 1164, the “Craft Distiller Op-pour-tunity” Act, passed the State Senate with bipartisan support. The Craft Distiller Op-pour-tunity Act would modify existing regulations to give California’s small batch craft distillers more leeway to produce and sell their spirits.

“Craft distillers, with their emphasis on locally sourced California ingredients capture and bottle the essence of California’s Farm to Table movement,” said Skinner. “SB 1164 makes it easier for us to responsibly enjoy these local products.”

By raising the quantity a craft distiller can produce, SB 1164 will help craft distillers take the next step in expanding their business and thriving economically while still allowing them to maintain their small craft distillers license.

Also, SB 1164 would allow craft distillers to operate more like California’s wineries and breweries by giving craft distillers the opportunity to sell their product to people visiting the distillery who haven’t participated in a tasting.

“If someone lives near a craft distiller or happens to drive past one, they shouldn’t have to take a drink to buy something for later,” said Skinner. “SB 1164 lets people purchase directly from our artisanal distillers, just like they are able to from a winery.”

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.