In California, beer distributors are getting together to oppose the proposed legalization of marijuana.
On the ballot in California this November will be Proposition 19, a measure that would legalize marijuana and allow it to be taxed and regulated. California Beer & Beverage Distributors have contributed $10,000 to a committee that opposes Proposition 19, reports the Redding Record Searchlight.
The donation went to Safety First, the main coalition opposing Prop 19.
“Unless the beer distributors in California have suddenly developed a philosophical opposition to the use of intoxicating substances, the motivation behind this contribution is clear,” said Steve Fox, Marijuana Policy Project government relations director in a press release. “Plain and simple, the alcohol industry is trying to kill the competition.”
Two law enforcement agencies that oppose Prop 19 include the California Police Chiefs Association, which has donated about $30,000 and the California Narcotics Officers’ Association, which has donated about $20,500.
Meanwhile, California brewers such as Sierra Nevada and Stone Brewing Co. took to their Facebook pages to release statements saying that neither company supports this campaign.
“Stone is not a part of this campaign in any way,” said Stone Brewing. “This issue has caught us of off guard. We are merely a non-voting Allied Member of the CA Beer & Beverage Distributors (CBBD). As such, Stone Brewing does not/cannot participate in the political action decisions of the CBBD.”
In its statement, Sierra Nevada also clarified its position.
“Although we are members of this organization, we were neither consulted – nor informed of – their decision to take a stand against California Proposition 19. Sierra Nevada’s role as an associate member grants no access or influence on the political agendas of the CBBD, and we had no knowledge of the organization’s intention to fight this ballot proposition,” said the company.
“We feel that people have the obligation to choose what is right for themselves without influence from outside interests,” Sierra Nevada said.
California has previously legalized medical marijuana.
Proposition 19 will be on the ballot in California on November 2, 2010.
Filed under: news, california, facebook, law enforcement, marijuana, prop 19, sierra nevada, stone brewing
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You can add New Belgium Brewing Co to that list. Here is their response:
“Thank you for contacting New Belgium Brewing regarding your concerns about the California Beer and Beverage Distributor’s (CBBD) stance on Proposition 19. I also want to let you know that you are not alone; my email inbox was filled this morning with 23 other folks sharing your concerns. This will sound odd, but you made me break a smile. Sure, New Belgium is a good sized brewery these days, yet we’re still driven by a similar kind of grassroots passion. All of us at New Belgium appreciate your candor and willingness to take action as well as the chance to address your concerns to the best of our business capabilities.
Like all alcoholic beverages sold in the state of California, we are required to have our beer distributed through licensed wholesalers, most of which are members of the CBBD. As a brewery, we are a non-voting, associate member. As such, until this morning, we were unaware of the CBBD’s planned contribution and political stance against Prop 19. Their political position on this issue does not reflect our own. Our position is the straightforward fact that without our valued California distributors we would not be able to get you our beer and that is our sole reason for supporting the CBBD.
While there have been calls from both sides to enter this debate, we at New Belgium Brewing believe the California voters are the proper constituents to decide this measure. We have reached out to our California partners in distribution and at the CBBD to express our difference of opinion on this issue. We have also talked with our friends at Sierra Nevada Brewing and are following their lead of requesting the CBBD remove our company name from their associate member list.
Once again, we appreciate the opportunity to dialogue regarding these concerns. Craft brewers and craft beer drinkers share much common ground, and we are all made better through holding each other to the highest standards. Thanks again for your forthright feedback.
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