Existing law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer from wagons or trucks to licensees authorized to sell beer.

This bill would additionally authorize a licensed beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer to licensees authorized to sell beer from trailers.

Existing law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer from wagons or trucks to licensees authorized to sell beer.

This bill would additionally authorize a licensed beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer to licensees authorized to sell beer from trailers.

Existing law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer from wagons or trucks to licensees authorized to sell beer.

This bill would additionally authorize a licensed beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer to licensees authorized to sell beer from trailers.

 CONSENT  

Bill No: AB 233

Author: Gipson (D)

Introduced: 1/13/25

Vote: 21

SENATE GOVERNMENTAL ORG. COMMITTEE: 14-0, 6/10/25

AYES: Padilla, Valladares, Ashby, Blakespear, Cervantes, Dahle, Hurtado, Jones, Ochoa Bogh, Richardson, Rubio, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wahab, Weber Pierson

NO VOTE RECORDED: Archuleta

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 4/24/25 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Alcoholic beverages: licensees

SOURCE: California Beer and Beverage Distributors

DIGEST: This bill authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler to sell beer from “trailers” operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and grants it exclusive authority to administer the provisions of the ABC Act in accordance with laws enacted by the Legislature. This involves licensing individuals and businesses associated with the manufacture, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in this State and the collection of license fees.
2. Authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler, in addition to selling beer at their licensed premises, to sell beer from wagons or trucks operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer.
3. Provides that every person who sells, furnishes, gives, or causes to be sold any alcoholic beverages to any person under 21 years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor.
4. Generally, makes it unlawful for any person other than a licensee of the Department of ABC to sell, manufacture, or import alcoholic beverages in this state.

This bill authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler to sell beer from “trailers” operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer, as specified.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “as California prepares to host some of the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting events – including the 2026 and 2027 Super Bowls, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympics – our state must ensure that businesses can operate efficiently under unique logistical challenges these events will bring. By permitting brewers and distributors to store beer on-site in controlled locations, AB 233 helps streamline operations, reduce congestion, and enhance public safety at large scale events where access to venues will be highly restricted.”

Permitted Beer Delivery Methods. Under current law, beer may be sold to licensed retailers by beer manufacturers or beer distributors directly from their licensed premises or via trucks and wagons operated by that licensee. During special events, brewers and distributors often deliver beer from a nearby truck to multiple retailers to meet demand, with sales finalized upon invoicing and delivery to the retailer. The sponsor of this bill states that, “these huge venues will be crowded and access to the event sites will be tightly controlled and regulated. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, in advance of the Olympics announced there will be severe restrictions on transportation curtailing access and severely limiting the time to service the multitude of Olympic venues.”

AB 233 was introduced to address anticipated transportation challenges stemming from major national and international sporting events. These include the 2026 Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, the 2027 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's and SoFi Stadiums, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. These events are expected to draw significant crowds, with access to the venues being closely controlled and regulated.

AB 233 adds trailers to the list of permitted delivery methods and clarifies that the beer is sold when it is invoiced and delivered by the brewer or distributor to the retailer. Under this bill, an inventory of beer can be stored, locked and left in a secure location at an event site and be available to service a multitude of retail venues. Access to the trailer and the beer would be controlled solely by the brewer or distributor and any delivery of beer from the trailer must be done by brewer or distributor employees. The retail sale is completed when the beer is invoiced and delivered from the trailer to the retailer’s premises.

The sponsor notes that AB 233 not only ensures a consistent supply of beer for all licensed retail venues during major and smaller events but also allows beer distributors to operate within the controlled hours of access and service set by restricted event venues.

Related/Prior Legislation

AB 1940 (Villapudua, Chapter 218, Statutes of 2024) allows an alcohol wholesaler or manufacturer to accept the return of a season brand of beer from a licensee if the beer is exchanged for a quantity of beer of similar quality, if the original manufacturer has ceased doing business.

AB 1149 (Villapudua, Chapter 271, Statutes of 2023) allows specified manufacturers and wholesalers to merchandise single-serve containers of wine and distilled spirits at off-sale retail licensed premises.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Department of ABC’s activities are funded by regulatory and license fees and generally, the department does not receive support from the General Fund. New legislative mandates, although modest in scope, may in totality create new cost pressures and impact the department’s operating costs and future budget requests.

SUPPORT: (Verified 6/23/25)

California Beer and Beverage Distributors (Source)

OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/23/25)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the California Beer and Beverage Distributors, “under existing law, beer may be sold to licensed retailers from beer manufacturers or distributors licensed premises, or from trucks and wagons operated by them. For many special events, brewers and distributors deliver from a nearby truck to multiple retailers to meet sales demand. The retail sale is made when the beer is invoiced and delivered to the retailer. This is impractical for major events, such as the Olympics, that will require large capacity refrigerated storage trailers positioned on-site to ensure a reliable source of supply for brewers and distributors to service multiple retailer venues at these enormous events.”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 4/24/25

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Chen, Gallagher, Harabedian, Lackey

Prepared by: Felipe Lopez / G.O. / (916) 651-1530

6/26/25 9:02:57

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Steve Padilla

Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: 233 Hearing Date: 6/10/2025

SUBJECT: Alcoholic beverages: licensees

DIGEST: This bill authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler to sell beer from “trailers” operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and grants it exclusive authority to administer the provisions of the ABC Act in accordance with laws enacted by the Legislature. This involves licensing individuals and businesses associated with the manufacture, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in this State and the collection of license fees.
2. Authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler, in addition to selling beer at their licensed premises, to sell beer from wagons or trucks operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer.
3. Provides that every person who sells, furnishes, gives, or causes to be sold any alcoholic beverages to any person under 21 years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor.
4. Generally, makes it unlawful for any person other than a licensee of the Department of ABC to sell, manufacture, or import alcoholic beverages in this state.

This bill authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler to sell beer from “trailers” operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer, as specified.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “as California prepares to host some of the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting events – including the 2026 and 2027 Super Bowls, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympics – our state must ensure that businesses can operate efficiently under unique logistical challenges these events will bring. By permitting brewers and distributors to store beer on-site in controlled locations, AB 233 helps streamline operations, reduce congestion, and enhance public safety at large scale events where access to venues will be highly restricted.”

Permitted Beer Delivery Methods. Under current law, beer may be sold to licensed retailers by beer manufacturers or beer distributors directly from their licensed premises or via trucks and wagons operated by that licensee. During special events, brewers and distributors often deliver beer from a nearby truck to multiple retailers to meet demand, with sales finalized upon invoicing and delivery to the retailer. The sponsor of the bill states that, “these huge venues will be crowded and access to the event sites will be tightly controlled and regulated. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, in advance of the Olympics announced there will be severe restrictions on transportation curtailing access and severely limiting the time to service the multitude of Olympic venues.”

AB 233 was introduced to address anticipated transportation challenges stemming from major national and international sporting events. These include the 2026 Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, the 2027 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's and SoFi Stadiums, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. These events are expected to draw significant crowds, with access to the venues being closely controlled and regulated.

AB 233 adds trailers to the list of permitted delivery methods and clarifies that the beer is sold when it is invoiced and delivered by the brewer or distributor to the retailer. Under this bill, an inventory of beer can be stored, locked and left in a secure location at an event site and be available to service a multitude of retail venues. Access to the trailer and the beer would be controlled solely by the brewer or distributor and any delivery of beer from the trailer must be done by brewer or distributor employees. The retail sale is completed when the beer is invoiced and delivered from the trailer to the retailer’s premises.

The sponsor notes that AB 233 not only ensures a consistent supply of beer for all licensed retail venues during major and smaller events but also allows beer distributors to operate within the controlled hours of access and service set by restricted event venues.

Prior/Related Legislation

AB 1940 (Villapudua, Chapter 218, Statutes of 2024) allows an alcohol wholesaler or manufacturer to accept the return of a season brand of beer from a licensee if the beer is exchanged for a quantity of beer of similar quality, if the original manufacturer has ceased doing business.

AB 1149 (Villapudua, Chapter 271, Statutes of 2023) allows specified manufacturers and wholesalers to merchandise single-serve containers of wine and distilled spirits at off-sale retail licensed premises.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT:

California Beer and Beverage Distributors (Source)

OPPOSITION:

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the California Beer and Beverage Distributors, “under existing law, beer may be sold to licensed retailers from beer manufacturers or distributors licensed premises, or from trucks and wagons operated by them. For many special events, brewers and distributors deliver from a nearby truck to multiple retailers to meet sales demand. The retail sale is made when the beer is invoiced and delivered to the retailer. This is impractical for major events, such as the Olympics, that will require large capacity refrigerated storage trailers positioned on-site to ensure a reliable source of supply for brewers and distributors to service multiple retailer venues at these enormous events.”

Date of Hearing: April 9, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 233

Author:(Gipson) – As Introduced Ver:January 13, 2025

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer to a licensed retailer from a trailer.

Existing law allows a licensed manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer to a licensed retailer from a wagon or truck, or on the manufacturer’s or wholesaler’s own premises.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Likely minor and absorbable costs to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which oversees the activity of licensees under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

This committee sees a wide array of bills that propose to modify the scope of alcohol laws. Generally, the majority of proposals do not generate significant new workload for ABC, but taken together, these proposals could lead to significant new costs and future budget requests. In this case, adding a trailer to the list of existing permissible beer sales methods should have minimal impact on licensee activity.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

As California prepares to host some of the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting events—our state must ensure that businesses can operate efficiently under the unique logistical challenges these events will bring.

AB 233 provides a necessary adjustment to allow our beer and beverage distributors to meet demand without unnecessary disruptions, ensuring that our economy benefits from these historic events while maintaining oversight and accountability in alcohol distribution.

This bill is supported by the California Beer and Beverage Distributors.

1. Background.

Permitted Beer Delivery Methods. Existing law permits a beer manufacturer or wholesaler to sell beer to a retailer from a truck or wagon, as is often necessary at large-scale events. However, as noted in the Assembly Government Organization Committee’s analysis of this bill, larger events may require the use of refrigerated storage trailers which “would ensure a consistent supply, allowing brewers and distributors to service multiple retailer venues effectively during such large-scale events.”

National and International Sporting Events. California is preparing to host a number of major upcoming national and international sporting events, including the 2026 Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, the 2027 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Levi’s and SoFi Stadiums, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. AB 233 addresses beverage transportation challenges at these functions, authorizing trailers as an avenue for large-scale delivery of beer to retailers in anticipation of high demand.

Analysis Prepared by: Sophia Karperos & Irene Ho / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: March 19, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Blanca Rubio, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 233 (

Author:Gipson) – As Introduced Ver:January 13, 2025

SUBJECT: Alcoholic beverages: licensees

SUMMARY: Existing law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (Act), authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler, in addition to selling beer at his licensed premises, to sell beer from wagons or trucks operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer.

This bill would allow a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler to also sell beer from “trailers” operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer, as specified.

EXISTING LAW:

1) Establishes the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and grants it exclusive authority to administer the provisions of the Act in accordance with laws enacted by the Legislature. This involves licensing individuals and businesses associated with the manufacture, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in this state and the collection of license fees for this purpose.

2) Provides that every person who sells, furnishes, gives, or causes, to be sold any alcoholic beverages to any person under 21 years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor.

3) Generally, makes it unlawful for any person other than a licensee of the ABC to sell, manufacture, or import alcoholic beverages in this state.

4) Authorizes a licensed beer manufacturer or a licensed beer wholesaler, in addition to selling beer at his licensed premises, to sell beer from wagons or trucks operated by them to licensees authorized to sell beer.

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill is keyed fiscal by Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS:

Background.

Under current law, beer may be sold to licensed retailers by beer manufacturers or distributors either directly from their licensed premises or via trucks and wagons they operate. During special events, brewers and distributors often deliver beer from a nearby truck to multiple retailers to meet demand, with sales finalized upon invoicing and delivery to the retailer. However, this process may be impractical for major events, such as the Olympics, which require large-capacity refrigerated storage trailers on-site. These trailers would ensure a consistent supply, allowing brewers and distributors to service multiple retailer venues effectively during such large-scale events.

AB 233 was introduced to address anticipated transportation challenges stemming from major national and international sporting events. These include the 2026 Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, the 2027 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's and SoFi Stadiums, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. These events are expected to draw significant crowds, with access to the venues being closely controlled and regulated.

AB 233 adds trailers to the list of permitted delivery methods and clarifies that the beer is sold when it is invoiced and delivered by the brewer or distributor to the retailer. Under this bill, an inventory of beer can be stored, locked and left in a secure location at an event site and be available to service a multitude of retail venues. Access to the trailer and the beer shall be controlled solely by the brewer or distributor and any delivery of beer from the trailer must be done by brewer or distributor employees. The retail sale is completed when the beer is invoiced and delivered from the trailer to the retailer’s premises.

The sponsor notes that AB 233 not only ensures a consistent supply of beer for all licensed retail venues during major and smaller events but also allows beer distributors to operate within the controlled hours of access and service set by restricted event venues.

Purpose of the bill. According to the author’s office, “As California prepares to host some of the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting events—our state must ensure that businesses can operate efficiently under the unique logistical challenges these events will bring.”

The author states that “AB 233 provides a necessary adjustment to allow our beer and beverage distributors to meet demand without unnecessary disruptions, ensuring that our economy benefits from these historic events while maintaining oversight and accountability in alcohol distribution.”

In support. The California Beer and Beverage Distributors writes in support, “By permitting licensed brewers and distributors to store beer on-site in controlled locations, AB 233 helps streamline operations, reduce congestion, and enhance public safety at large-scale events where access to venues will be highly restricted. Los Angeles, in particular, will face unprecedented transportation limitations leading up to and during the Olympics, Super Bowl, and other large and smaller events.”

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Beer and Beverage Distributors

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Eric Johnson / G.O. / (916) 319-2531