Starting January, Brewers Can List Retail Placements on Social Media

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 2, 2015) – Tom McCormick, executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), issued the following statement today in response to Governor Jerry Brown signing Assembly Bill 780, authored by Assembly Member Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara).

“AB 780 is great news for craft enthusiasts in our state who are hungry for information about their favorite beers. The bill allows craft breweries in California, as of January 1st, 2016, to communicate product availability information to their fans on social media, including where to purchase specialty beers at local stores and restaurants. This is an exciting development for CCBA’s brewery members who use social media regularly to communicate with fans and potential customers.

The new allowance will have restriction in order to adhere to the state’s tied house laws. A social media post may only contain the name, location, address and web site of the licensed retailer. It cannot include any laudatory, promotional or marketing references and each post must contain the equal listing of two or more retailers.

“More than ever, California’s craft beer drinkers are looking to their favorite breweries for information about special releases or where to purchase their favorite craft beer at a local retail location,” said McCormick. “Prior to AB 780, a brewery could only communicate product availability after a direct inquiry from a customer.  AB 780 removes the requirement for a formal request and allows for better communication between breweries and their fans, as long as two or more retail locations are included in the social media post.

“This year has been marked by tremendous growth and support for the craft beer industry in California. The industry contributed $6.5 billion to the state economy last year and now boasts nearly 600 craft breweries, more than any other state in the nation. CCBA members appreciate the support of Gov. Brown and Assembly Member Das Williams and look forward to the continued growth of craft beer in California.”