McLeod's Bill Aims to Help Protect Businesses

Press Release

State Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) announced recently that Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill which aims to benefit independent, family-owned and operated businesses.

SB 1393 allows business owners to exchange beer that has been purchased, or receive a credit, if that product has been classified as a health or safety threat to Californians.

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined that inclusion of caffeine in certain alcoholic beverages was unsafe and could cause adverse effects. As a result, in 2011 the governor signed SB 39, banning the sale and production of caffeinated beer in California. At the time, there was no mechanism that allowed for adequate and fair compensation for business owners who had purchased a product that was subsequently recalled, McLeod said.

"In 2011, I supported banning caffeinated beer in California because it protected our constituents from potential harm," said McLeod. "This bill is a clean-up measure that protects California businesses and addresses past repayment issues by allowing for compensation if a recall or ban has been instituted."

Additionally, this legislation would allow an alcoholic beverage licensee to accept the return of unsold and unopened beer from an organization that obtained a daily use license, such as catering companies. Currently, daily licensees have no way to legally sell or return alcoholic beverages after the expiration of their daily license, which are usually good for no more than three days.

McLeod represents the 32nd District, which includes Fontana.

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