CA AB981

Amends Section 25503.24 of the Business and Professions Code to include distilled spirits wholesalers in market research provisions for alcoholic beverages.

Prohibits licensed retailers from being obligated to purchase or sell alcoholic beverage products of any manufacturer, winegrower, rectifier, distiller, or distilled spirits wholesaler conducting market research.

Maintains existing limitations that retail premises may participate in only one research project per calendar year and retailers cannot require manufacturers to conduct market research as a condition of selling products.

Violations of the tied-house restrictions remain punishable as misdemeanors with penalties including county jail time up to six months, fines equal to the value of the market research plus $10,000, or both, plus potential license revocation.

Exempts the state from reimbursing local agencies or school districts for costs under Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the bill only creates penalties for existing crimes.