(a) A beer manufacturer, a licensed beer and wine importer general, or a licensed beer and wine wholesaler may instruct consumers or conduct courses of instruction for consumers, on the subject of beer, including, but not limited to, the history, nature, values, and characteristics of beer, and the methods of presenting and serving beer. A beer manufacturer, a licensed beer and wine importer general, or a licensed beer and wine wholesaler may conduct such instructions at the premises of a retail on-sale licensee authorized to sell beer.

(b) The instruction of consumers regarding beer may include the furnishing of tastes of beer to an individual of legal drinking age. Beer tastes at any individual course of instruction shall not exceed eight ounces of beer per person, per day. The tasting portion of a course of instruction shall not exceed one hour at any individual licensed retail premises. Tastes of beer may not be served to a consumer in their original container but must be served in an individual glass or cup.

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(c) All tastes of beer served to a consumer as authorized in subdivision (b) shall be served only as part of the course of instruction and shall be served to the consumer by an employee of the on-sale retail licensee.

(d) A beer manufacturer, a licensed beer and wine importer general, or a licensed beer and wine wholesaler may not hold more than six courses of instruction per calendar year at any individual on-sale retail licensed premises if the courses of instruction includes consumer tastes of beer.

(e) (1) A representative of a beer manufacturer, a licensed beer and wine importer general, or a licensed beer and wine wholesaler, except as provided in paragraph (2), must be present and authorize any tastes of beer conducted at an on-sale retail licensed premises pursuant to this section. The representative shall be responsible for paying the retailer for the tastes of beer served at any course of instruction. Such payment shall not exceed the retail price of the beer.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, a licensed beer and wine wholesaler shall not be a representative of a beer manufacturer or a licensed beer and wine importer general.

(f) No on-sale retail licensee shall require one or more courses of instruction pursuant to this section as a requirement to carry a brand or brands of any beer manufacturer, licensed beer and wine importer general, or licensed beer and wine wholesaler.

(g) No premium, gift, free goods, or other thing of value may be given away in connection with an authorized course of instruction that includes beer tastes, except as authorized by this division. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall be presumed to be a violation of Section 25500.

(h) A retail licensee may advertise the instructional tasting event using interior signs visible only within the establishment.

(i) (1) A beer manufacturer, a licensed beer and wine importer general, and a licensed beer and wine wholesaler shall maintain an individual record of each course of instruction involving tastes of beer for three years.

(2) Records shall include the date of the tasting, the name and address of the retail licensee, and the brand, quantity, and payment made for the beer furnished by the beer manufacturer, the licensed beer and wine importer general, or the licensed beer and wine wholesaler.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 670, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2007.)