California

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Updated: 9/1995
Status: Permitted, subject to age restriction and amount (gallonage).

Statute

California state statute § 23356.2 allows the manufacture of beer for personal or family use, and not for sale by a person over the age of 21. The aggregate amount of beer with respect to any household shall not exceed 200 gallons or 100 gallons if only one adult resides in such household.

Discussion

California represents one of the most comprehensive state statutes. §23356.2 also provides for the removal of beer manufactured in the home for use in competitions, tastings, or judgings.

Special Provisions

The definition of "Beer" in California does not include sake (Japanese rice wine). Sake is defined under California statute §23007.

State Alcohol Beverage Control Agency

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

3927 Lennane Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: 916.419.2500

Applicable Statutory Material

§ 23006. Beer

"Beer" means any alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of any infusion or decoction of barley, malt, hops, or any other similar product, or any combination thereof in water, and includes ale, porter, brown, stout, lager beer, small beer, and strong beer but does not include sake, known as Japanese rice wine.

§ 23356.2. Beer; manufacture for personal or family use; exemption

No license or permit shall be required for the manufacture of beer for personal or family use, and not for sale, by a person over the age of 21 years. The aggregate amount of beer with respect to any household shall not exceed (a) 200 gallons per calendar year if there are two or more adults in such household, or (b) 100 gallons per calendar year if there is only one adult in such household.

Any beer manufactured pursuant to this section may be removed from the premises where manufactured for use in competition at organized affairs, exhibitions or competitions, including homemakers' contests, tastings, or judgings.

Note: The information presented here is to the best of our knowledge and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice specific to the laws of your state.