Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 32 (Leno), to amend Section 23016 of the Business and Professions Code effective immediately. Section 23016 defines a “Rectifier” (defined below); this amendment now allows on-sale licensees to infuse spirits and wine with flavors or blending processes. The issue of infused wine and spirits on on-sale retail premises came to light after enforcement action was taken by the ABC in San Francisco at an on-sale retail location where the owner was infusing spirits for a special drink offered to its patrons.

Business and Professions Code Section 23016 now reads:

“Rectifier” means every person who colors, flavors, or otherwise processes distilled spirits by distillation, blending, percolating, or other processes. “Rectifier” does not include an on-sale licensee that colors, flavors, or blends distilled spirits or wine products on the on-sale licensed premises to be consumed on the licensed premises.

For more information on California ABC matters contact Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty at [email protected].

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