SCR 166: Soju Day.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-08-11
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-08-11: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 162, Statutes of 2026.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The Legislature declares September 20, 2026, the second annual Soju Day in California and encourages state residents to join in the celebration. The resolution recognizes soju as a traditional Korean spirit important to Korean Americans, notes its role in cultural exchange and possible local economic benefits from domestic soju production, and asks people to learn about Korean culture and attend community events.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
This measure would celebrate September 20, 2026, as Soju Day in this state.
This measure would celebrate September 20, 2026, as Soju Day in this state.
This measure would celebrate September 20, 2026, as Soju Day in this state.
WHEREAS, Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society; and
WHEREAS, Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions; and
WHEREAS, September 9 was chosen as the date for Soju Day to coincide with the unique characteristics of Soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy, stories, and traditions; and
WHEREAS, More than 550,000 Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends; and
WHEREAS, California is the second largest rice producing state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu; and
WHEREAS, The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju; and
WHEREAS, New soju distilleries will create more jobs in factories and through marketing, distribution, and sales channels; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature adopted September 20 as Soju Day through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 95 (Chapter 183 of the Statutes of 2025); now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby joins in celebrating September 20, 2026, as the second annual Soju Day in this state; and be it further
Resolved, That the citizens of this state are encouraged to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate distribute copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society; and
WHEREAS, Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions; and
WHEREAS, September 9 was chosen as the date for Soju Day to coincide with the unique characteristics of Soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy, stories, and traditions; and
WHEREAS, More than 550,000 Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends; and
WHEREAS, California is the second largest rice producing state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu; and
WHEREAS, The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju; and
WHEREAS, New soju distilleries will create more jobs in factories and through marketing, distribution, and sales channels; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature adopted September 20 as Soju Day through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 95 (Chapter 183 of the Statutes of 2025); now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby joins in celebrating September 20, 2026, as the second annual Soju Day in this state; and be it further
Resolved, That the citizens of this state are encouraged to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate distribute copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society; and
WHEREAS, Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions; and
WHEREAS, September 9 was chosen as the date for Soju Day to coincide with the unique characteristics of Soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy, stories, and traditions; and
WHEREAS, More than 550,000 Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends; and
WHEREAS, California is the second largest rice producing state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu; and
WHEREAS, The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju; and
WHEREAS, New soju distilleries will create more jobs in factories and through marketing, distribution, and sales channels; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature adopted September 20 as Soju Day through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 95 (Chapter 183 of the Statutes of 2025); now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby joins in celebrating September 20, 2026, as the second annual Soju Day in this state; and be it further
Resolved, That the citizens of this state are encouraged to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate distribute copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Aug 11, 2026 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 162, Statutes of 2026. |
| Aug 11, 2026 | Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State at 1 p.m. |
| Aug 6, 2026 | In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Aug 6, 2026 | Read. Adopted. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Aug 6, 2026 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 71. Noes 0. Page 6086.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jul 2, 2026 | From committee: Be adopted. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 2). |
| Jun 29, 2026 | Referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Jun 22, 2026 | In Assembly. Held at Desk. |
| Jun 22, 2026 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 35. Noes 0. Page 4898.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Jun 22, 2026 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 35. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| May 6, 2026 | From committee: Ordered to third reading. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Introduced. Referred to Com. on RLS. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 6, 2026 | SCR 166 Choi Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jul 2, 2026 | Be adopted. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Rules |
Passed |
|
| Jun 22, 2026 | Senate 3rd Reading SCR166 Choi et al. | Senate Floor |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
Date of Hearing: July 2, 2026
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON
, Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:
Author:() – As Ver:
SENATE VOTE:
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY: Recognizes and celebrates September 20, 2026, as Soju Day in this state. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds a significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community, but increasingly across the United States. Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society.
- Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions.
- More than 530,000 Korean Americans reside in California. Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food Movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends.
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu.
- The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
FISCAL EFFECT: This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by:
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-4171 | SCR 166 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 166
Author: Choi (R), et al.
Introduced: 4/23/26
Vote: 21
SUBJECT: Soju Day
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This resolution celebrates September 20, 2026, as Soju Day in this state.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States.
- Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society.
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu.
- The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju.
- The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
This resolution encourages the citizens of this state to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents.
Related/Prior Legislation
SCR 95 (Choi, Resolution Chapter 183, Statutes of 2025)
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 5/5/26)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/5/26)
None received
Prepared by: Hunter Flynn / SFA / (916) 651-4171
5/6/26 13:50:35
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