California craft liquor delivery is about to go away thanks to big money lobbying
Summary
California’s temporary rule allowing small craft distilleries to deliver alcohol directly to customers will end on December 31 unless lawmakers act. Powerful groups like wine producers, union truck drivers, and big liquor wholesalers have blocked efforts to make the rule permanent, citing concerns about safety and competition.Key Facts
- Since 2018, California craft distilleries could deliver spirits directly to customers due to pandemic-related rules.
- The temporary law allowing these deliveries expires on December 31, 2024.
- Efforts to extend or make the rule permanent have been stopped by lobbying from the wine industry, Teamsters union, and large alcohol distributors.
- These opposing groups have spent over $1 million lobbying this year and much more over time to influence lawmakers.
- The opposition argues direct deliveries mainly help out-of-state companies and could risk alcohol reaching minors.
- The Teamsters want deliveries to go through standard shipping companies that follow strict rules and employ drivers, rather than contractors.
- Small craft distillers have much less political spending and say lobbying efforts against them killed their proposals quietly.
- The dispute shows how wealthy industry groups can influence California politics behind closed doors.
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