On a vote of 37 to 0, the California Senate passed the Wine Institute sponsored SB 778 (Padilla), the bill that allows manufacturers or licensed suppliers of wine, beer or spirits to conduct a consumer sweepstakes or contest in California. The Assembly previously passed the bill on a 75 to 4 vote. The bill now goes to the Governor's desk for signature and, if signed, will take effect on January 1, 2013.

Under existing law, Californians are denied the opportunity afforded consumers in the other 49 states to enter a sweepstakes or contest conducted by a manufacturer or supplier of wine, beer, or spirits. SB 778 would allow a Californian 21 years or older to submit, for example, a sweepstakes entry with a chance to win a trip to California wine country or to enter a contest for the best recipe or photograph. SB 778 would conform California law to that of the other 49 states.

Assembly amendments split consumer contests and sweepstakes into separate code sections and provide more clarity to aid ABC enforcement. Additionally, the amendments supersede a portion of the ABC's Rule 106 so that licensed beverage suppliers are able to sponsor sweepstakes with non-profits, third-party providers, for-profit businesses, and licensed retailers consistent with the limitations in the measure.

For more information on all legislative matters wine industry related visit www.wineinstitute.org/