Current Event

No AB 1598

ShareAlthough it may come down to a matter of marketing, this is one bill that could affect all beer lovers, regardless of their age, taste and income. Jim Beall, D-San Jose, has proposed a bill to ban all alcoholic drinks that contain caffeine in them. The bill, particularly aimed at malt liquor markets, will curb production of these beverages which are mainly targeted towards college students and younger drinkers. But the law spills over into the craft brew market as well and creates quite a scuffle. Brewers and beer enthusiasts who enjoy their stouts and porters infused with coffee, espresso, and chocolate would be dramatically affected. MateVeza; which earned a #4 spot on the top 10 most innovative beers of 2007 would no longer be able to produce their “naturally caffeinated yerba mate beer”, at least not in California. It would be a shame to see these styles of beer no longer in the California market. Could this be the last-call for our caffeinated porters and stouts? Write an email to Jim Beall and let him know your displeasure AB 1598 and that you think it needs to, at the very least, be re-written.