“647” is the California Penal Code Section for “drunk in public.”

Press release from the office of Wes Chesbro:

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has signed AB 647, a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D – North Coast), that establishes clear labeling guidelines for breweries that wish to refill consumers’ “growlers” that were purchased elsewhere, making freshly brewed craft beer more available to consumers. Growlers are glass containers that typically hold four pints of beer.

“Consumers would like to reuse their containers, not just at the original brewery but to sample beers from many breweries,” Chesbro said. “Growlers have become an increasingly popular way for customers to buy beer because it allows them to sample and safely transport craft brews to their homes to enjoy. They won’t have to buy a growler for every brewery they enjoy, which promotes the reuse of glass containers.”

“The new law will help the craft brew industry continue to grow in California, making us more competitive with neighboring states and create more jobs here,” Chesbro continued. “Craft breweries are small businesses, which means the profits they earn and the taxes they pay boost their local economies.”

AB 647 clarifies the labeling requirements for the reuse of growlers. These requirements include identification of the brewery and the name of the beer. The new label must cover all information related to other breweries or beer that was previously in the growler. AB 647 also addresses the abuse of the statutory definition of “beer manufacturer” by entities that do not possess or use facilities or equipment to actually manufacture beer. It also clarifies the law relating to trade show tastings.

“The California Craft Brewers Association thanks Assemblymember Chesbro, the California Legislature and Governor Brown for clarifying the law,” said Tom McCormick, executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association. “On-site refills of growlers are a fantastic way for consumers to enjoy fresh beer direct from their local breweries.”