Underage Students Can Sample Beer, Wine In College Classes Under California Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Aspiring brewers and winemakers in college can legally taste - but not swallow - their products starting winter semester.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB1989 on Monday to fix a situation that prevented some students from graduating in four years.

The bill's author Democratic Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro of Arcata cautions his bill does not condone campus partying. It only permits for sipping and spitting despite its "Underage Drinkers" label in records. It also only extends to students majoring in winemaking and brewery science and not to students looking for fun electives.

Advocates for the bill say tasting alcohol is a crucial component to viticulture and brewing education. Eight programs, including the University of California at Davis and Fresno State, can remove age restrictions on classes.

Oregon and Washington have similar laws.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.

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