SoCal Homebrew Fest Needs Your Help

[LabRatBrewer]

While I am bummed the festival was cancelled this year I try to think "big picture". I have never really liked that both the SCHF and the NHC were only open to "members". How are we supposed to spread the love of brewing and craft beer if we continue to have festivals that are "members only"? My hope is that non brewing related non-profits see the opportunity that AB 1425 presents and take full advantage of it and sponsor craft/homebrew festivals that are open to EVERYBODY. Personally I am pouring donated homebrew at three different non-profit fundraisers in the next two months thanks to the new law. Just off the top of my head I figure the sales of my beer will have helped raise something around 1K for some very worthwhile charities. Not to mention that we also get a tax deduction for our donation!!

Im glad you are donating to charity, and that was the intent of the new law. However, it is wrong for the ABC to use this to deny Homebrew Clubs the right to gather and share information and homebrew. Even the lawmakers state that was not their intent.

I really enjoyed meeting so many brewers and tasting their brews.

 

[Phunhog]

I wonder if CHA/AHA will be able to get the law changed? Maybe they can carve out an exemption specifically for the SCHF and NHC? I don't see them removing the prohibition of homebrew related charities. It would be too easy to abuse it. Anyone of us could start a homebrewing non-profit, sell beer at events, and use that money to pay the "board of directors".

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

So angry... This is the one event I look forward to enough each year to have a standing agreement with SWMBO that I can always attend. And now it's screwed.

Grr...

 

[LabRatBrewer]

So angry... This is the one event I look forward to enough each year to have a standing agreement with SWMBO that I can always attend. And now it's screwed.

Grr...

Yep. I had the same arrangement. I can't belief the ABC would do this even after the law makers told them it was not the intent of the law. It was probably a representative from the Ventura Office, but Jerry Brown should un-appoint his ABC Director Timothy Gorsuch for allowing this. Instead, they probably think its a victory.

 

[StormesABrewin]

Yet another reason why I no longer live in California.


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

So is anyone still planning to go to Casitas for the weekend?

 

[LabRatBrewer]

So, if you have reservations please cancel them. Dual purpose. 1. Any incident would damage our near spotless record 2. Show we are needed. The SoCal home brew assoc is planning multiple events. Our club is festing elsewhere. A different campground it wont be the same.

 

[mattd2]

So, if you have reservations please cancel them. Dual purpose. 1. Any incident would damage our near spotless record 2. Show we are needed. The SoCal home brew assoc is planning multiple events. Our club is festing elsewhere. A different campground it wont be the same.

So is the new event going to be a club camping trip, everyone provids their own refreshments Still don't get how they can really inforce the new law onto you - basically everyone is meeting in a particular place to share homebrew - no one is selling. Really the issue was mostly the Lake requiring you to get a permit that you don't need, which tipped the ABC off to something that wasn't actually happening! Good luck on finding a new venue that understands what you are doing!

 

[Phunhog]

So is anyone still planning to go to Casitas for the weekend?

I know I have been able to pull a few local HBC's into pouring at a charity event in lieu of Casitas. Since we live in Ventura...it's just easier.

 

[LabRatBrewer]

April 4, 2014

Dear California AHA Member,

Your action is needed now to ensure passage of AB 2609. (Note: bill text will be amended from what is currently posted.)

Last year, the California legislature passed a well-intentioned bill, AB 1425, which had the unfortunate consequence of making it illegal for nonprofit homebrewer organizations to host homebrew events like the Southern California Homebrewers Festival and the AHA National Homebrewers Conference in the state of California.

If passed, AB 2609 will once again allow the California Homebrewers Association to organize the Southern California Homebrewers Festival, an annual event attended by 2,000 homebrewers that had to be cancelled this year due to the change in law. Without passage of AB 2609, the AHA may be forced to cancel or relocate the 2015 AHA National Homebrewers Conference planned for San Diego.

How You Can Help

AB 2609 is scheduled for a hearing before the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee on Wednesday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m. Please send a signed letter of support for AB 2609 addressed to the chair of the committee, Assembly Member Isadore Hall, III, as an attachment to an email to AB 2609 sponsor Assembly Member Brian Nestande’s Chief of Staff Nanette Farag. If any of the committee members represent your district, please also send a letter addressed to your Assembly Member.

You may use this sample letter (see below my signature) to customize your own letter of support. It is important to be polite and respectful in your message.

In addition, please call the Assembly Member for your district and request that they support AB 2609.

Thank you for your support of homebrewers. Your action could make the difference in whether or not this legislation becomes law. Please forward this message to other California residents and businesses that may be interested in supporting this bill.

Sincerely,

Gary Glass
Director
American Homebrewers Association
April 4, 2014
Honorable Isadore Hall, III
Capitol Office
P.O. Box 942849
Room 3123
Sacramento, CA 94249-00964

Dear Chair Isadore Hall, III:

Subject: Please support AB 2609

I am requesting your support for AB 2609 on behalf of California’s homebrewers.

Homebrewers love to share with and learn from one another. California’s homebrewers have been fortunate to have events like the Southern California Homebrewers Festival and the Northern California Homebrewers Festival. These events strengthen the homebrewing community and help individual homebrewers refine their craft.

Unfortunately, the passage last year of AB 1425 led to the cancellation of the 24th annual Southern California Homebrewers Association Festival scheduled for early May, and could threaten the 37th annual American Homebrewers Association National Homebrewers Conference planned for 2015. Passage of AB 2609 would restore the ability of homebrewer organizations to host events for homebrewers.

Please show your support for California’s homebrewing community by passing AB 2609.

Sincerely,

NAME/ADDRESS

 

[InLimbo]

subbed and seriously considering leaving the grandmother of all nanny states in this country.

 

[Phunhog]

April 4, 2014

Dear California AHA Member,

Your action is needed now to ensure passage of AB 2609. (Note: bill text will be amended from what is currently posted.)

Last year, the California legislature passed a well-intentioned bill, AB 1425, which had the unfortunate consequence of making it illegal for nonprofit homebrewer organizations to host homebrew events like the Southern California Homebrewers Festival and the AHA National Homebrewers Conference in the state of California.

If passed, AB 2609 will once again allow the California Homebrewers Association to organize the Southern California Homebrewers Festival, an annual event attended by 2,000 homebrewers that had to be cancelled this year due to the change in law. Without passage of AB 2609, the AHA may be forced to cancel or relocate the 2015 AHA National Homebrewers Conference planned for San Diego.

How You Can Help

AB 2609 is scheduled for a hearing before the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee on Wednesday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m. Please send a signed letter of support for AB 2609 addressed to the chair of the committee, Assembly Member Isadore Hall, III, as an attachment to an email to AB 2609 sponsor Assembly Member Brian Nestande’s Chief of Staff Nanette Farag. If any of the committee members represent your district, please also send a letter addressed to your Assembly Member.

You may use this sample letter (see below my signature) to customize your own letter of support. It is important to be polite and respectful in your message.

In addition, please call the Assembly Member for your district and request that they support AB 2609.

Thank you for your support of homebrewers. Your action could make the difference in whether or not this legislation becomes law. Please forward this message to other California residents and businesses that may be interested in supporting this bill.

Sincerely,

Gary Glass
Director
American Homebrewers Association
April 4, 2014
Honorable Isadore Hall, III
Capitol Office
P.O. Box 942849
Room 3123
Sacramento, CA 94249-00964

Dear Chair Isadore Hall, III:

Subject: Please support AB 2609

I am requesting your support for AB 2609 on behalf of California’s homebrewers.

Homebrewers love to share with and learn from one another. California’s homebrewers have been fortunate to have events like the Southern California Homebrewers Festival and the Northern California Homebrewers Festival. These events strengthen the homebrewing community and help individual homebrewers refine their craft.

Unfortunately, the passage last year of AB 1425 led to the cancellation of the 24th annual Southern California Homebrewers Association Festival scheduled for early May, and could threaten the 37th annual American Homebrewers Association National Homebrewers Conference planned for 2015. Passage of AB 2609 would restore the ability of homebrewer organizations to host events for homebrewers.

Please show your support for California’s homebrewing community by passing AB 2609.

Sincerely,

NAME/ADDRESS

This is HUGE!! It will continue to open more doors for craft beer and homebrewing.

 

[bzwyatt]

I emailed mine and emailed the representatives from my district too.

Get on it everybody!

 

[DrunkleJon]

I support this. I will fire off a letter tomorrow but if it does not make it by the deadline here is my vote for it.

 

[DanzigsMISFITS]

Here is my letter:

I hate kalifornia.. cant wait to leave. Ill do what I can to support just as I do woth calguns

subbed and seriously considering leaving the grandmother of all nanny states in this country.

 

[DrunkleJon]

Anyone have an actual email that those of us not of the fine state of CA can send our requests directly? You do not have to post it outright which could cause an influx of spam and really hurt the cause, but if someone can find one and pm it to me I will fire it off. The "Contact Us" page on Assemblyman Isadore Hall, III's webpage will not accept my contact because I am on the right rather than left coast. I want to do my part and may well have to give a call tomorrow if I cannot find another way to voice my support. For those of you who want to contact him (who was named in the above letter here is what his site registers as contact information which I believe should be okay to post. Do your part, and thank you LRB for keeping us up to date on this.

Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0064
Tel: (916) 319-2064
Fax: (916) 319-2164

District Office:
2200 W. Artesia Blvd.
Suite 210
Compton, CA 90220
Tel: (310) 223-1201
Fax: (310) 223-1202

 

[LabRatBrewer]

Anyone have an actual email that those of us not of the fine state of CA can send our requests directly? You do not have to post it outright which could cause an influx of spam and really hurt the cause, but if someone can find one and pm it to me I will fire it off. The "Contact Us" page on Assemblyman Isadore Hall, III's webpage will not accept my contact because I am on the right rather than left coast. I want to do my part and may well have to give a call tomorrow if I cannot find another way to voice my support. For those of you who want to contact him (who was named in the above letter here is what his site registers as contact information which I believe should be okay to post. Do your part, and thank you LRB for keeping us up to date on this.

Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0064
Tel: (916) 319-2064
Fax: (916) 319-2164

District Office:
2200 W. Artesia Blvd.
Suite 210
Compton, CA 90220
Tel: (310) 223-1201
Fax: (310) 223-1202

Maybe fax? I think there are fax for free sites. I don't have one to recommend, has anyone used one?

 

[LabRatBrewer]

Our new bill made it over yesterday's vote. On to appropriations next. We are making progress. Vote was 19-0.


UNOFFICIAL BALLOT
MEASURE: AB 2609
AUTHOR: Nestande
TOPIC: Home brewers and home winemakers.
DATE: 04/09/2014
LOCATION: ASM. G.O.
MOTION: Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on
Appropriations.
(AYES 19. NOES 0.) (PASS)


AYES
****

Hall Nestande Achadjian Bigelow
Campos Chesbro Cooley Dababneh
Gray Roger Hernández Jones Jones-Sawyer
Levine Medina Perea V. Manuel Pérez
Salas Waldron Wilk


NOES
****



ABSENT, ABSTAINING, OR NOT VOTING
*********************************

 

[Phunhog]

I am happy that it has, so far, passed unopposed but I do have some reservations. I was reading the minutes of the meeting the lawmakers want some changes to the bill....unless I am reading it wrong. One of the changes is that only members of the non profit can attend the festival How is the homebrew club or non profit (brewing related) supposed to raise any money? As a homebrew club member am I being expected to not only pay my local homebrew club dues, brew beer for the festival, but then also PAY for the privledge of drinking my homebrew...or any other homebrew. What I would like to see happen is that every club gets 4 free tickets. They can dole them out however they like. Or at least you get 10 dollars off your ticket for every keg you bring to the fest. Otherwise I think I will just come and drink and leave my beer at home......or at least in the campground.

 

[Holter]

I didnt read the entire thread, but in case this link hasnt been posted yet the ABC has provided a Q&A document detailing responses to the passing of AB1425.

LINK.

Two things have come up from this that are complicating our local clubs. One, you cannot bring homebrew into a manufacturer or retailer's space for consumption - meaning no club meetings with homebrew at a brewery.

Second, no demonstrating homebrewing. I was scheduled to demonstrate how to brew at a local non-profit event in Manhattan Beach next month but after a back in forth with an ABC employee he made it very clear to me that this would be illegal.

If you haven't read the Q&A you should. If it was posted before my apologies.

 

[Phunhog]

I didnt read the entire thread, but in case this link hasnt been posted yet the ABC has provided a Q&A document detailing responses to the passing of AB1425.

LINK.

Two things have come up from this that are complicating our local clubs. One, you cannot bring homebrew into a manufacturer or retailer's space for consumption - meaning no club meetings with homebrew at a brewery.

Second, no demonstrating homebrewing. I was scheduled to demonstrate how to brew at a local non-profit event in Manhattan Beach next month but after a back in forth with an ABC employee he made it very clear to me that this would be illegal.

Thanks for the link!! Just wondering how the ABC is prohibiting the homebrew demonstration? It would seem to me that in a worse case scenario you just don't pitch the yeast. You can't have beer without yeast....but I doubt the ABC knows this Basically you are just producing wort until yeast is introduced. In a demonstration that would be easy to "skip" and just explain the step. I wonder if they allow apple juice on premise since that could become hard cider......

 

[chemman14]

Q. Can licensees host homemade beer or wine competitions or other similar events at their
licensed premises?

A. No. Business and Professions Code section 25607 prohibits licensees and any other person from
having upon licensed premises any alcoholic beverages other than those which may be sold at the
licensed premises pursuant to the license issued. Since homemade beer and wine may not be sold by
permanent licensees, such beer or wine may not be possessed on licensed premises. This prohibition
applies whether the license is a manufacturing license (such as beer manufacturer or winegrower) or a
retail license (such as a bar or restaurant).


Q. Can “home brew” supply stores make homemade beer or wine for demonstration purposes?

A. No. The law provides that beer or wine may only be produced without a license in a “household”
for “personal or family” use. Beer or wine produced at a “home brew” supply store or any other
similar location for any purpose, including demonstration, would not comply with this provision.

Wow, these two are just terrible. No more homebrew competitions at breweries and no more shop brews? Wtf....

 

[Holter]

I didnt read the entire thread, but in case this link hasnt been posted yet the ABC has provided a Q&A document detailing responses to the passing of AB1425.

LINK.

Two things have come up from this that are complicating our local clubs. One, you cannot bring homebrew into a manufacturer or retailer's space for consumption - meaning no club meetings with homebrew at a brewery.

Second, no demonstrating homebrewing. I was scheduled to demonstrate how to brew at a local non-profit event in Manhattan Beach next month but after a back in forth with an ABC employee he made it very clear to me that this would be illegal.

Thanks for the link!! Just wondering how the ABC is prohibiting the homebrew demonstration? It would seem to me that in a worse case scenario you just don't pitch the yeast. You can't have beer without yeast....but I doubt the ABC knows this Basically you are just producing wort until yeast is introduced. In a demonstration that would be easy to "skip" and just explain the step. I wonder if they allow apple juice on premise since that could become hard cider......

The demo thing does seem pretty absurd. I think you could probably get away with doing what you said, or just say you are making barley and hop soup. The ridiculous methods to circumvent this piece of the interpretation of the law should be enough to identify how stupid this interpretation is to begin with.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Q. Can licensees host homemade beer or wine competitions or other similar events at their
licensed premises?

A. No. Business and Professions Code section 25607 prohibits licensees and any other person from
having upon licensed premises any alcoholic beverages other than those which may be sold at the
licensed premises pursuant to the license issued. Since homemade beer and wine may not be sold by
permanent licensees, such beer or wine may not be possessed on licensed premises. This prohibition
applies whether the license is a manufacturing license (such as beer manufacturer or winegrower) or a
retail license (such as a bar or restaurant).


Q. Can “home brew” supply stores make homemade beer or wine for demonstration purposes?

A. No. The law provides that beer or wine may only be produced without a license in a “household”
for “personal or family” use. Beer or wine produced at a “home brew” supply store or any other
similar location for any purpose, including demonstration, would not comply with this provision.

Wow, these two are just terrible. No more homebrew competitions at breweries and no more shop brews? Wtf....

I don't think this is "no more" of either... The text of AB1425 doesn't change these things at all. I am guessing these were illegal before AB1425 passed. This portion of the FAQ is related to ABC interpretation of the existing laws.

1. The prohibition of homebrew at breweries or restaurants mentioned above is from an entirely separate (and presumably already-existing) statute. Which sucks, because that basically makes it illegal to have a homebrew club meeting at a restaurant, brewpub, or brewery if you're going to bring in your own beer to share.
2. Existing law does only provide for beer/wine to be produced at home for personal/family use. I think a demonstration is probably a VERY gray area, particularly if you don't add yeast until the beer is brought home. That hinges on exactly what the legal definition of "production" entails.
3. "Shop brews" are clearly not provided for. Homebrew shops that produce and serve beer without a license are clearly not "homebrewers" within the scope of the law.

None of this is new. It sucks, yes. But it's not new.

 

[chemman14]

I don't think this is "no more" of either... The text of AB1425 doesn't change these things at all. I am guessing these were illegal before AB1425 passed. This portion of the FAQ is related to ABC interpretation of the existing laws.

1. The prohibition of homebrew at breweries or restaurants mentioned above is from an entirely separate (and presumably already-existing) statute. Which sucks, because that basically makes it illegal to have a homebrew club meeting at a restaurant, brewpub, or brewery if you're going to bring in your own beer to share.
2. Existing law does only provide for beer/wine to be produced at home for personal/family use. I think a demonstration is probably a VERY gray area, particularly if you don't add yeast until the beer is brought home. That hinges on exactly what the legal definition of "production" entails.
3. "Shop brews" are clearly not provided for. Homebrew shops that produce and serve beer without a license are clearly not "homebrewers" within the scope of the law.

None of this is new. It sucks, yes. But it's not new.

Hmm, I am not sure about that. A local craft beer bar even checked with the ABC to see if he would be allowed to have a homebrewers bottle share. They gave him the go-ahead. This is definitely all very confusing!

 

[Phunhog]

Hmm, I am not sure about that. A local craft beer bar even checked with the ABC to see if he would be allowed to have a homebrewers bottle share. They gave him the go-ahead. This is definitely all very confusing!

Maybe it's because I worked for governmental agencies all my life I can understand. CA is a big state and I hate to say it but it depends on who you talk to and how you present your question. One office of the ABC says one thing and another has a different opinion. A lot of questions we bring up as homebrewers are not cut and dry and it requires someone to interpret the law as they see the law.

 

[LabRatBrewer]

Hmm, I am not sure about that. A local craft beer bar even checked with the ABC to see if he would be allowed to have a homebrewers bottle share. They gave him the go-ahead. This is definitely all very confusing!

One problem could be we keep asking permission. We should probably just do what we want and see if they try to enforce. We actually are not a priority by a long shot, and they are not going to send an agent to watch a demo at the lhbs. But if we ask, they answer. (Huge events I can understand asking as there is so much planning and money at stake). Fight on. Send those letters!

 

[Phunhog]

One problem could be we keep asking permission. We should probably just do what we want and see if they try to enforce. We actually are not a priority by a long shot, and they are not going to send an agent to watch a demo at the lhbs. But if we ask, they answer. (Huge events I can understand asking as there is so much planning and money at stake). Fight on. Send those letters!

I saw a tweet from Mike "Tasty" McDole.........he said that the CA ABC ".....is like a dictatorship with no army" when it comes to homebrewing.

 

[LabRatBrewer]

The new bill is making its way through the process. Meanwhile, since this weekend *should* have been fest but for the actions of the ABC...here are some alternatives: (just not the same)

We've just added several more beer events happening around Southern
California over the next few weeks. Go to
http://www.calhomebrewers.org/?page_id=3725 to see all upcoming events!

May 2-4 ? Spring Fling at Lake Morena
May 2 ? Tap Takeover at Ojai Beverage Company
May 3 ? Belgian Beer Tasting at Stuffed Sandwich
May 3 ? Brewing Demonstration at More Beer
May 3 ? Sabroso Craft Beer and Taco Festival
May 3 ? Big Brew Demonstration at Surf Brewery
May 3 ? Lunch with the brewers at Alosta Brewing Company
May 3 ? North County San Diego Brewery Tour
May 4-10 ? Inland Empire Beer Week
May 4 ? Beer and Brunch at Lounge 22
May 4 ? Brewing Demonstration at Hydrobrew
May 4 ? Battle of the IPA's at 909 Pub and Grill
May 8 ? Hops and Hogs Pig Roast at Pappas Artisanal
May 9 ? Steal the Glass at The Royal Falconer
May 10 ? Tap Takeover at Pacific Wine Merchants

 

[Phunhog]

Super excited that so far the bill has received zero opposition and looks like it will pass easily!! Though honestly I am a little disappointed in the language. If I am reading it right if a non-profit homebrewing club wants to hold a fundraiser they can only invite members? The same members who donate the beer? So basically you are asking members to donate beer and then buy a ticket so you can drink your donated beer? Just seems weird....