Bring Wine Back To Art Galleries? Laguna Beach Art Walk Leads Charge

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A Laguna Beach Art Gallery Director wasn't going to sit still after several art galleries received citations for serving alcohol during First Thursdays Art Walk (FTAW) last year.

Instead, she went into action, calling in State Assemblyman Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach) for help and guidance in addressing this issue.

"Out of this action, Assembly Bill 629 was created to permit art galleries to serve beer or wine to their
customers without having to get a liquor license," Fry said. The bill would legalize the common practice throughout California of serving a free glass of wine while guests peruse art.

“Barbershops and salons have the legal right to serve their clientele, so an art gallery should have the
same right to serve their patrons and collectors as they enjoy and collect art” said Fry, of The Signature Gallery and Vice President of FTAW Board of Directors.

AB 629 would provide that a license or permit is not needed for an art gallery to provide wine and
beer to patrons, for consumption on the gallery premises, as long as they are subject to specified
conditions, including that the price of the wine and beer is not included in the sales price of any piece
of art or merchandise sold by the gallery.

“Art galleries should be able to provide their customers with a relaxing and enjoyable experience,”

said Harper. “I’m proud to bring Jessica’s idea to Sacramento and help art galleries all over California
improve their businesses.”

AB 629 is part of Harper’s #Legislation4Locals legislative package that consists of three bills to
improve the 74th Assembly District and California.

First Thursdays Art Walk is asking gallery owners, associated businesses, and art patrons to provide
a letter of support. Printable copy of the support letter is here: FirstThursdaysArtWalk.com/AB-629

Jessica Fry, Photo