FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

CGA calls Industry Advisory on regulating alcoholic beverage sales at assisted self-checkout terminals unlawful

SACRAMENTO, CA – (December 28, 2011) – The California Grocers Association today filed a petition for writ of mandate to stay a California Alcoholic Beverage Control Industry Advisory that attempts to provide guidance in complying with a new state law to regulate alcoholic beverage sales at assisted self-checkout terminals.

CGA claims the Advisory is inconsistent with the statute, unenforceable, and in violation of the California Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

The new law, Business and Professions Code Section 23394.7, takes effect January 1, 2012. The law provides that “no privileges under an off-sale license shall be exercised by the licensee at any customer-operated checkout stand located on the licensee’s physical premises.”

“The Advisory attempts to provide grocery retailers guidance on how to comply with the new law, by defining one of the law’s key provisions. But the definition is vague and the Advisory is an illegal underground regulation,” said CGA President Ron Fong. “The Advisory is as unclear as the law itself. To protect our members, CGA was forced to file this writ.”

Rather than issue this Advisory, Fong said, the ABC should follow standard procedure and promulgate regulations through the APA.

“We strongly disagree with the ABC’s attempted interpretation of the new law,” Fong said, adding CGA met with ABC officials to discuss the new law. “What was discussed in our meetings was significantly different than the Industry Advisory released last week.”

CGA filed the writ in the California Third District Court of Appeal. In addition to requesting the advisory be withdrawn, CGA requested the Court immediately issue an alternative writ of mandate that stays the effectiveness of the advisory pending a final ruling by the Court.

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit trade association representing the food industry since 1898 and represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 stores in California and Nevada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

Grocery Executive To Serve One-Year Term

SACRAMENTO, CA — (December 2, 2011) – Jonathan Mayes, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Government Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy for Safeway Inc., was elected the 2011-2012 California Grocers Association Chairman of the Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on Dec. 2, 2011.

As Chairman, Mayes will oversee the Association’s numerous legislative, educational and industry related programs. CGA is comprised of more than 400 retail companies operating more than 6,000 stores in California and Nevada. The chair serves for one year. He succeeds Immediate Past Chair Jim Amen, President and CEO of Super A Foods, Inc., City of Commerce, CA.

“Jonathan’s considerable government relations knowledge coupled with his industry experience will be a tremendous asset as the Association continues to expand its presence in the Capitol,” said CGA President and CEO Ronald K. Fong.

In addition to Mayes, the following individuals were elected to the 2011-2012 CGA Board of Directors Executive Committee: First Vice Chair, Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms; Second Vice Chair, John Quinn, Food 4 Less (Stockton)/Times Supermarkets; Treasurer, Mary Kasper, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market; Secretary, Kevin Konkel, Raley’s; and Past Chair, Jim Amen, Super A Foods, Inc.

This year’s Chairman’s appointments to the Executive Committee include: Dave Jones, Kellogg Company, Mike Read, WinCo Foods, Inc.; and Dora Wong, Coca-Cola Company. Wong was also elected for a second three-year term. Directors elected for their first full three-year term include: John Eagan, Costco Wholesale; Rick Fry, Cardenas Markets; Ric Hamacher, Bimbo Bakeries, USA; Dave Huettl, Albertsons/ SUPERVALU; Frank Jimenez, The Hershey Company; John Kok, Procter & Gamble; Dan Meyer, Stater Bros. Markets; Phil Miller, C&S Wholesale Grocers; John Parke, E&J Gallo Winery; Harish Solanki, Big Saver Foods, Inc.; and Mike Stamper, Nestle DSD.

Former Chairman of the Board George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets, was nominated an Honorary Board Member.

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 400 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies.