Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/131907
MARKETING Following Gatens' Napa-centric talk, Lori Ajax, the deputy division chief of the California ABC, talked about events held off winery property, including nonprofit events and those at restaurants (they're not allowed at off-premise locations). Ajax first noted that the ABC has about 70 different licenses held by 85,000 organizations, most of them retailers. The list includes about 4,700 Type-02 winery licenses (In this article, "wineries" refer to wine producers with Type-02 licenses, not type 17/20 "virtual wineries.") The ABC just posted an interactive map of all permanent licenses. One area of confusion surrounds nonprofit events including wine festivals, which have no special privileges, but Ajax noted, "We don't like events offering 'all you can drink.'" License for events The event must truly be driven by the nonprofit group, not the winery or promoters.The group needs a special event one-day license to offer alcoholic beverages. "If a nonprofit approaches you, ask to see their permit before you donate." Wineries can donate or sell wine to nonprofit organizations, tend bar, provide tastes, help in other ways and advertise the event. They can't benefit permanent retail licenses, however. If an event is held at a licensed premise like a restaurant, the restaurant must surrender its license for that part of its property, and the nonprofit must get a one-day license. Types of licenses You can't sell wine directly to consumers at a nonprofit event, but organizers can get a Type-81 wine sales event permit and set up a separate area. Wineries can't solicit orders, however, and any transaction must be completed at a winery, so no use of mobile credit card-processing is allowed. Some events are held under caterers' licenses (Type 58), but in this case, a winery can't donate wine since it's a retailer. Clearly, regulations about alcohol are challenging. In general, Botting warned, "Tied-house provisions are often complex, and these new provisions are no exception. Before undertaking any promotion or event, you should review the requirements of the law and seek independent legal counsel." You can find advisories on these issues at abc.ca.gov. 54 W in es & V i ne s J U NE 2 013