Cinco de Mayo 2024: Counting Standard Drinks When the Margaritas Are Big
A margarita is a recipe, not a unit of measurement. This Cinco de Mayo guide helps California servers count standard drinks, pace large tables, feature zero-proof options, and keep every celebration festive rather than foggy.
Alcohol Awareness Month 2024: How Minor Decoy Operations Work and How to Pass Them
The young customer at the register might be working with an officer. Using ABC’s April 2024 spotlight, this guide explains decoy rules, Shoulder Tap results, and the simple ID routine that passes every single time.
Shared Tasting Rooms, Brewery Cider, and Spirits Shipping: California’s 2024 Craft Producer Laws
Breweries, wineries, and distilleries can now share more space under one roof. This guide explains SB 269, SB 788, and AB 1088, plus what pouring beer, wine, and spirits at one shared counter really demands.
Complimentary Wine at Salons and Barbershops: California’s Exemption After SB 247
That complimentary glass of wine during a color appointment has rules. Here is California’s salon and barbershop exemption after SB 247, including pour limits, the 10 p.m. cutoff, ID checks, and polite bridal party etiquette.
SB 76 Entertainment Zones and Music Venues: Preparing for Street-Side Service
SB 76 let San Francisco plan streets where event drinks can wander. Before any zone opened, here is what the law required, how music venue licenses changed, and how staff can serve beyond the door.
SB 498 and Offers in Compromise: What Higher Penalties Mean for California Retailers
SB 498 doubled the price ceiling on several mistakes. This guide explains California’s offer in compromise process, the 2024 caps, the new aggravating factor for serious harm, and why prevention still costs far less overall.
Soju, Shochu, and Lunar New Year: What AB 416 Means for Beer and Wine Restaurants
AB 416 let beer and wine restaurants pour qualifying shochu beside soju. Before Lunar New Year banquets, here is what counts, what does not, and how to serve stronger bottles to busy family tables responsibly.
AB 1013 Drink-Spiking Test Kits: What California Bars Must Offer
Since July 2024, California bars and nightclubs with Type 48 licenses must offer drink-spiking test kits and post a required sign. Here is what the law requires, what changed later, and how staff can respond.
California Alcohol Laws Taking Effect in January 2024: Penalties, Patios, and Shochu
California’s January 2024 alcohol laws mix new menu options with sharper consequences. Here is what SB 498, AB 1217, SB 76, AB 416, and other bills changed, organized by who actually needs to care most.
New Year’s Eve 2023: A Countdown-to-Closing Service Plan
Midnight is the middle of the night, not the end. This New Year’s Eve plan helps California venues pace service, pour a sensible toast, respect the 2 a.m. cutoff, and get every guest home safely.