Alcoholic beverages: distilled spirits.

Assembly Member Hoover's alcoholic beverage legislation expands privileges for winegrowers and craft distillers while establishing new direct shipping provisions for distilled spirits. The bill authorizes winegrowers to store and age brandy on their premises, while allowing craft distillers to transport brandy to and from winegrowers' facilities for aging purposes. It also doubles the volume of prepackaged spirits that craft distillers may sell directly to consumers at their premises, from 2.25 to 4.5 liters per person per day.

The legislation creates a framework for direct shipping of distilled spirits to California consumers by both in-state craft distillers and qualifying out-of-state producers. Shippers must obtain a distilled spirits direct shipper permit, maintain detailed records, and ensure proper labeling of containers. Common carriers must verify recipient age through signature confirmation. The daily shipping limit remains at 2.25 liters per consumer for personal use. Out-of-state permitholders face additional reporting requirements and must submit to California jurisdiction for enforcement matters. The direct shipping provisions include a sunset date of January 1, 2027.

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control maintains oversight through permit issuance, compliance audits, and administrative proceedings. Shipping without a proper permit constitutes a misdemeanor. The bill specifies that local agencies require no reimbursement for costs associated with these changes, as they relate solely to modifications of criminal provisions under existing constitutional exemptions.