NMA Testifies at State Senate Hearings Opposing SB 620

On November 30th, 2021, and January 11th, 2022, the CA State Senate Committee on Governmental Organization Hearing held hearings on a proposed bill, SB 620. This bill, if passed in its original form, would have allowed all out-of-state liquor distillers to ship and sell directly to California consumers, bypassing the long-standing 3tier distribution structure. It would have a very negative impact on NMA members.

President Marlon Oram Mansour provided testimony at both hearings to oppose the bill, citing the negative effects it would have on retailers, their employees, and on underage kids getting access to alcohol.

Mr. Oram said, “retailers are the fabric of their community, are committed to serving the public, are involved in community organizations and religious organizations, and do not sell alcohol to minors.”

NMA Director of Government & Public Relations Arkan Somo gave a Public Comment, as a retailer representing 57 stores owned and operated by him and family members and who employ over 1,500 employees.

Mr. Somo stressed how the overlooked heroes during the Pandemic, the convenience and grocery store clerks, who continued work as essential workers even in the middle of a dangerous Pandemic, would be given a disservice by the passing of this bill.

The bill is currently making its way to the State Assembly. Through the hard work of the NMA and its partners in liquor distribution, the bill currently will not allow large out-of-state distributors to sell directly to California customers.

However, the legislative process could change, so the NMA will continue to monitor this and inform its members to ensure we are protected.

For more information, please view the current bill: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClie nt.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB620