Calwineries

Bill Would Make it Easier for Non-Profit Events to Sell Wine

Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D – Santa Rosa), chairwoman of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, has introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1964 to facilitate the sale of donated wine at non-profit events. State Senator Pat Wiggins (D – Santa Rosa) co-authored the bill. If AB 1964 passes, non-profits will be able to hold more wine events and bureaucratic red tape will be lessened.

In order to hold events involving wine auction, wine tastings, and wine dinners, non-profits must apply for and receive a receive a temporary alcohol license. Currently, non-profits can only obtain one each year, but if the bill passes, that number will be raised to three.

“Wine is part of our culture in California. But current law puts obstacles between non-profits and our wine industry. This bill will help non-profits cultivate stronger ties with an industry which has set a high standard for compassion,” Evans said.

The bill would also allow wineries to donate wine to non-profits up to 60 days before they acquire a temporary alcohol license. Since the licenses are normally given out only a few weeks before the event, it can cause a logistical nightmare for non-profits to receive and process donations in such a short period of time.