Notice of Scheduled Public Hearing

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control received a request for a public hearing on this matter in a public comment received on October 26, 2020. Therefore, the Department hereby gives notice of the scheduling of a public hearing.

Due to the current state of emergency in the State of California and the increased spread of COVID-19, the Department will provide access to the hearing by a live electronic feed via Zoom. The Department requests that all persons who wish to speak and share concerns or suggestions for the regulatory action attend via electronic means to ensure compliance with limitations set by the California Department of Public Health on group gatherings during the pandemic. The proposed public hearing structure is in compliance with current public meeting laws, and Executive Orders modifying those rules to promote social distancing.[1] Members of the public who wish to participate in the public hearing will need to register in advance of the hearing through the Zoom meeting:

The public hearing will take place at:

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
3927 Lennane Drive
ABC Executive Conference Room
Sacramento, CA 95834

December 2, 2020
10:00am – 4:00pm

If any member of the public needs special accommodations in order to participate in this hearing electronically, please contact the Department’s Law and Policy Unit at rpu@abc.ca.gov.

The Department also wishes to remind those who wish to comment that the public hearing is for the Department to hear suggestions and concerns of the public about the proposed regulation. A transcript of the public hearing will be prepared and included within the regulatory record. This public hearing is held in conjunction with the written comment period, and any written comment submitted in the appropriate manner will also be addressed in the regulatory process. There is no need to repeat submitted written arguments at the public hearing as they will be published, considered, and responded to during the regulatory process and will be a part of the regulatory record.

The Department has prepared the Initial Statement of Reasons to provide the basis of both the authority and necessity for each part of the proposed regulatory action and will not be able to comment further at the public hearing scheduled. The Department will respond to any new concerns or suggestions in writing following the conclusion of the public comment period at 12:00 pm on December 9, 2020.

Inquiries concerning the proposed regulatory action may be directed to the agency representative Robert de Ruyter, Assistant General Counsel, (916) 419-8958 or (designated backup contact) Sonny Bains, Associate Governmental Program Analyst, Law and Policy Unit, (916) 285-0891.

The Department is committed to continue to work with its licensees, stakeholders, and the public to ensure this regulatory action helps to accomplish the Department’s mission of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare.

Footnotes:

• [1] See EO-N-25-20 – The March 12 Order; EO-N-29-20 – The March 17 Order; and EO N-33-20 – Stay-at-Home Order.