§ 25509
492 words·~2 min read·
/ca/business-and-professions-code/25509A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(a)A distilled spirits manufacturer, a brandy manufacturer, a beer manufacturer, a winegrower, a wine blender, a distilled spirits rectifier, a wine rectifier, a distilled spirits wholesaler, or a beer and wine wholesaler who sold and delivered beer, wine, or distilled spirits to a retailer and who did not receive payment for that beer, wine, or distilled spirits by the expiration of the 42nd day from date of delivery shall charge the retailer 1 percent of the unpaid balance for that beer, wine, and distilled spirits on the 43rd day from date of delivery and an additional 1 percent for each 30 days thereafter.
(b)A distilled spirits manufacturer, a brandy manufacturer, a beer manufacturer, a winegrower, a wine blender, distilled spirits rectifier, a wine rectifier, distilled spirits wholesaler, or beer and wine wholesaler who sold and delivered beer, wine, or distilled spirits to a retailer and who did not receive payment in full by the expiration of the 30th day from date of delivery or who has not received payment of the 1 percent charge at the expiration of the 30th day from the day the charge became due shall thereafter sell beer, wine, or distilled spirits to that retailer by receiving payment in advance of delivery until such time as all payments are received for the beer, wine, or distilled spirits sold and delivered to the said retailer more than 30 days previously.
(c)The 42-day period and the 30-day period provided for in this section shall commence with the day immediately following the date of invoice and shall include all successive days including Sundays and holidays to and including the 42nd or 30th day as the case may be. When the 42nd day from date of invoice or the expiration of each additional 30-day period falls on Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the next business day shall be deemed to be the expiration day.
(d)All moneys received from a retailer in payment for any beer, wine, or distilled spirits sold and delivered to them shall be first applied to the payment of the oldest balance on beer, wine, or distilled spirits. All checks received for such payments shall be deposited for collection not later than the second business day following receipt of said check. A promissory note, postdated check, or check dishonored on presentation shall not be deemed payment.
(e)In enacting the act that amends this section by adding this subdivision, the Legislature finds that it is necessary and proper to remove the retailer from financial or business obligations to suppliers or wholesalers by the extension of credit beyond the terms contained in this section. The Legislature further finds that the exception established by this section to the general prohibition against tied interests shall be limited to its express terms so as not to undermine the general prohibition, and intends that this section shall be construed accordingly.
(f)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2026.