Ag Report: New bill will allow sales of beer at California farmers markets

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill that will allow for the sale of packaged beer at certified farmers’ markets.

The measure, authored by Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro of Arcata, authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer to apply to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a certified farmers’ market beer sales permit. That allows the licensee to sell packaged beer at a farmers’ market.

Brewers say the ability to sell their product at local farmers’ markets will be a great opportunity, and will allow them to engage with the community.

The bill also expands a licensed beer manufacturer’s privileges by allowing them to sell or serve beer and wines to guest during private events. 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.

The new law will allow breweries to provide wine to guests attending a private function at the brewery, for instance.

The measure will go into effect on Jan. 1.

The full text of the bill, signed late last month, is here.