Wilson Signs Bill on Labeling Malt Brews as Beer

SACRAMENTO — Beginning next year, Californians can quaff more potent fancy malt beverages but call them just plain beer.

Gov. Pete Wilson signed a bill Thursday that allows any malt beverage, regardless of alcohol content, to be called beer, as long as the alcohol content is listed on the label if it is more than 5.7%.

Under current law, any malt beverage with more than 5% alcohol cannot be called beer, but must be called ale, porter, stout or malt liquor.

“This is a very simple effort to allow beer to be called beer and to permit consumers the convenience to enjoy their favorite microbrew at their neighborhood cafe, club or pizza parlor,” said the bill’s author, Sen. Mike Thompson, (D-St. Helena).

Opponents in the Legislature said the bill was an attempt by beer companies to expand the market for stronger drinks. Others said it could let underage drinkers try stronger brews more easily.