Posted on 01/01/2007 5:23:16 PM PST by NormsRevenge
Free beer tastings may be on tap at California bars and restaurants thanks to a new law lifting a ban on suds samples.
The law, one of several taking effect with the new year, was backed by St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, which argued that it was unfair that the wine and distilled spirits industries were allowed to give out free samples of their wares.
The beer company says it will conduct only small educational tastings about new beers.
"It's an opportunity for us to get consumers to sample some of our new products," said Andrew Baldonado, western region vice president of government affairs for Anheuser-Busch. "The winter's bourbon cask ale is a seasonal beer that we're doing. The best way to introduce those new products to consumers is to be able to have them sample them."
Some brewers, especially small ones, already offer tastings at their own facilities, as does Anheuser-Busch at its Fairfield plant. But previously, companies couldn't offer free samples outside their own tasting rooms.
The new law allows beer tastings at bars and restaurants. It limits the amount to no more than 8 ounces per person a day and requires the beer to be served in a glass. Tastings cannot last more than an hour and there are also annual limits on the number of tastings a single manufacturer, importer or wholesaler can offer at a particular establishment.
Senate Bill 1548 was carried by former state Sen. Kevin Murray, D-Culver City.
Fred Jones, legal counsel to the Sacramento-based California Council on Alcohol Problems, a coalition of religious groups, thinks the law was a mistake.
"It was jokingly referred to as the 'Free Happy Hour' bill (in the Capitol), so I think that gives you an image of what could happen," Jones said. "What is the reason behind giving someone 8 ounces of beer free? One could argue that with wineries, each winery is different and every bottle is different depending on age or season. But we're talking about beer here."
Baldonado said the purpose of the samples is education, not intoxication.
"It would never be an instance where we would be buying the house a round," said Baldonado. "We would talk to consumers one at a time about whatever product it may be, whether it's Budweiser or something else."
The tastings are part of an effort by beer makers to regain ground lost in recent years to spirits and wine.
California microbreweries opposed to the bill at first, citing concerns that big companies would have an advantage in marketing at restaurants and bars. They withdrew their opposition after limits were put on the tastings, said Tom McCormick, executive director of the California Small Brewers Association.
Still, Glynn Phillips, owner of Rubicon Brewing Co. in Sacramento, said it would be difficult for him to start offering free beer.
"A small guy like me, I can't afford to do that," Phillips said. "But bigger breweries can walk into a restaurant and sample an entire crowd."
Gee, would I turn down a free Bud or Miller? No, its good for killing slugs. But would I drink it? Hell no.
Another "permission" for freedom.
Oh, thank you, government!
I never knew we had the basic right to such things!
Alcohol is bad for you, like tobacco. Results in many deaths, and higher health care costs.
Instead of giving it away for free, the libs should be banning it altogether.
"Free beer." The juxtaposition of two of the noblest words in the English language. "Free." "Beer." (Doffs hat, holds over heart...)
Education...WOOHOO!
Aw nuts, I moved out of Cali too soon!
how about wine?
They have wine tastings at most wineries and vineyards. I would think though that most don't usually do those for free though.
I want to know how the law banning free beer got on the books anyway. Somebody was asleep at the switch.
Wrong. 2 oz. of alcohol a day is good for you. Thats the facts.
Give it time. At the moment, they are too busy trying to ban religion and trans fats.
Hmph...I thought not...
Probably due to powerful Napa Valley interests - "Big Wine"
Yeah, that's a good point.
I know in Kalifornia, they got free medical, free schools, free food, etc., but you gotta be here ILLEGALY to "qualify".....
Apparently Senator Teetotaler has never been to a microbrewery/restaurant. They might have half a dozen brews from among every major style (lager, stout, etc.) on tap. A shot-glass of four different samples is your eight ounces.
--They have wine tastings at most wineries and vineyards. I would think though that most don't usually do those for free though.--
Head east of Sacramento.
I can remember before the ban....Sometime around 1970, when we were at the Busch Gardens Brewery in Van Nuys, CA, where one could sample, Bud, Bud Lite and Michelob. Of course, I was way too young to imbibe, but I did try to sneak the foam off dad's sample :o)
no it is not free
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