Calif. Craft Brewers Win Right to Produce Cider, Perry Onsite
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill permitting all licensed brewers in the state the ability to produce beer, cider, and perry simultaneously on the premises of their existing breweries.
The law, known as Senate Bill 788 and authored by State Sen. Angelique Ashby of Sacramento County, will benefit smaller breweries that produce less than 60,000 barrels of beer annually, known as Type 23 licensees. Until SB 788 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024, smaller craft breweries that operate under a Type 23 license have been required to obtain a separate winegrower’s license to produce fermented fruit beverages like cider or perry.
Obtaining that winegrower’s license and making the necessary capital investments to modify the brewer’s production facility to essentially include a separate winery has been an expensive and time-consuming endeavor, often taking upwards of six months to a year.
“As Californians in every town, city, and neighborhood have embraced craft breweries as a favorite place to gather, relax, and enjoy locally made craft beer, SB 788 will allow these cherished small businesses the flexibility to provide even more options and opportunities to grow,” CCBA Board Chair Laurie Porter said. “We’re very grateful to Governor Newsom, Senator Ashby, and the Legislature for their unanimous approval of SB 788, which values the role craft brewers play in our state’s hospitality industry and recognizes their ongoing commitment to their responsible and safe production of the world’s best craft beverages.”
The measure will allow craft brewers in the state to expand the variety of beverages they produce at their existing facilities. Previously, only large brewers with a Type 01 license and annual production of more than 60,00 barrels were permitted to manufacture beer, cider, and perry under the same roof.
SB 788 levels the playing field for small brewers, which have a significant $9.03 billion impact on California’s economy. More than 54,000 workers are employed at California’s 1,100 craft breweries, and 95% of Californians live within 10 minutes of a craft brewery.
“Now that SB 788 is signed, more than 1,000 craft breweries in California will be able to produce cider and perry under their current licenses,” Sen. Ashby said. “This will provide support for small businesses—helping cut through red tape, saving money and time, and letting them produce beverages consumers enjoy.”
SB 788 passed the State Assembly July 3 by a 69-0 vote after clearing the State Senate April 13 by a 36-0 margin. Newsom signed SB 788 into law on July 21.