It has been 3 months since craft distillers from all of the country have the ability to ship directly to California consumers. California is the largest market in the country making it one of the most important states to recently pass legislation allowing direct-to-consumer shipping of craft spirits. Please join us for an Ask the Expert webinar to hear what craft distillers need to do now to begin shipping into the state including how to apply for the appropriate license, register to pay for appropriate taxes as well as other regulations needed to comply with California’s direct shipping law. In addition to this important information, ACSA will give an update on advocacy efforts throughout the country on expanding this important market access tool.
Who: Michael Walker (The Walker Group), Nate Randall (Hinterhaus Distilling), Robert de Ruyter (CA ABC Deputy General Counsel), Lynn Azevedo (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration). Michael Walker brings over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Michael currently serves as Founding Principal at the Walker Group helping organizations navigate the dynamic beverage alcohol policy landscape at all levels of government.
Prior to launching The Walker Group in 2022, Michael was Vice President for External Affairs at Constellation Brands based in San Francisco. He supported the wine and spirits division, but also worked across the business to help the beer division address policy issues that arose in key state markets. In this role, Michael advised company leadership on proposed legislation and regulations that could impact the business as well as initiated action plans to drive policy agendas to help the company realize its goals and objectives.
Prior to his work at Constellation, Michael served 8 years with US Senator Dianne Feinstein, advising her on various policy issues throughout the state, making recommendations for action as well as serving as primary contact for policymakers, community leaders, and industry representatives in Northern California.
Michael worked in the United States Department of Health and Human Services while going to graduate school. He received a Masters in Public Policy from American University in Washington, DC in 1999.
Michael has served on boards and committees of various national industry associations including Wine Institute, WineAmerica, the Distilled Spirits Council, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance as well as regional associations and other organizations focusing on local land-use issues.
Note: Members must be logged in to access the webinar recording below. If you need to check membership status, please email membership@americancraftspirits.org.
