So-called "trinkets & trash" bill vetoed in CA

Modern Brewery Age, Oct 9, 2000

The governor of California has vetoed an increase in the gift limit from beer companies.

The bill was strongly opposed by small breweries, who had dubbed it the "trinkets and trash" bill. They said free gifts such as hats make it harder for them to compete with the giant beer companies.

The bill was passed by the Legislature in its final minutes last month to allow beer makers to give away slightly more expensive gifts but was vetoed by Gov. Gray Davis, his office announced last week.

The Democratic governor did not comment on the worthiness of the bill itself, but noted it was passed so quickly "there was no opportunity for public comment in both houses."

"I have repeatedly expressed my disinclination to sign bills, barring an emergency, that deny the public an opportunity to participate," he wrote in his veto message.

The bill was carried by Assemblywoman Helen Thomson, D-Davis, who has a large Anheuser-Busch brewery in her district.

It would have increased from 25 cents to $1.35 per item the cost of free brand-touting goods that beer manufacturers could give to retailers or customers in 2001. That would go up to $1.50 in 2002.