Get a $3 trinket now with your beer, as allowed by the State

The Alcohol Beverage Commission, which regulates sales of liquor as well as a plethora of other activities in California, has authorized "licensed" retailers to offer "promotional items", with a newly increased value of three dollars, to beer consumers.

Previously the items, otherwise known as "consumer advertising specialties given away by beer manufacturers" were limited to .25 cents in value.

In an 'INITIAL STATEMENT OF REASONS' document entitled 'Advertising and Merchandising of Alcoholic Beverages', the state outlines how Assembly Bill 1245, Chapter 629, Section 106 amends the rules for giving out trinkets to drinkers who buy their beer at retail establishments.

The ABC, which pays police departments across California to conduct sting operations such as the Shoulder Tap Decoy Program, regulates every aspect of liquor sales, advertising, and licensing.

Is it any wonder that Californians want to return their legislature to part time status? It is mind boggling when one considers the scope and measure of city, county, state, federal, and even purported "international" laws, rules and regulations that we are held accountable to, in nearly ever aspect of our lives. No wonder it's been said that everyone is a criminal, if the state sought to determine that status.

James Bovard does a fantastic job of covering this topic in his must-read 1995 book LOST RIGHTS: THE DESTRUCTION OF AMERICAN LIBERTY. Here Jim offers chapter one to readers on his website. I highly recommend this book and think it should be required reading for all American students.

Details of the amendment , enacted after Governor Schwarzenegger signed them into law, were as follows. Now go seek out a trinket from the booze cooler next time you head to the corner market, and celebrate a lil' bit more freedom!

• "Business and professions Code section 25600 prohibits any licensee from giving any premium gift, or free goods in connection with the sale or distribution of any alcoholic beverage, except as authorized by the ABC Act or by regulations of the department. With respect to brand identified items given to consumers in connection with the sale or distribution of beer, existing regulation authorizes licensees to only give items that are of inconsequencial value, which is defined as costing the licensee giving them away no more than ,25 (Section 25600 and Rule 106)
  
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• Business and professions code section 25600 has been amended to require that as to beer manufacturers, no rule of the department shall impose a limit other than $3. The proposed amendment to the regulation will establish this new limit and will clarify which licensees are authorized to give these higher-value items to consumers.