Calling all California customers! An important change is coming to the California wine and spirits industry. Starting January 1, 2026, a new state law — Assembly Bill 2991 (AB 2991) — will require all payments from retailers to wholesalers for alcoholic beverage deliveries to be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT). This change is designed to streamline the payment process and ensure timely, transparent transactions across the board. And while it may sound like a big shift, we’re here to make it easy every step of the way. So let’s dig in:
The Facts: Here’s What You Need To Know
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EFT will be the standard. As of January 1, 2026, wine deliveries must be paid for via EFT within 30 days of delivery. No checks or cash.
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Everyone covers their own fees. Each party is responsible for any transaction fees from their own bank or payment provider. That means we won’t be passing on any additional costs to you—and we won’t ask you to cover ours.
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Include DBA or invoice number to avoid posting delays. Add your DBA (Doing Business As [your business name here]) or invoice number on EFT’s for a seamless and timely transaction process.
What this means for you:
The good news? If you’re already paying us electronically, you’re in great shape. We’re continuing to support all current EFT systems. If you’re not set up for EFT just yet, now’s the time to register with our website! The process takes under a minute— no hoops and no hassle. Once registered, you’ll find a helpful Payment Options guide outlining all available methods on your dashboard. This is the best way to make sure you’re fully prepared well before the deadline.
Let’s keep things simple…
Our team is here to support you with clear communication, flexible solutions, and continued service excellence. For additional details and official guidance on AB 2991, please visit: ABC Guidance on AB 2991 or reach out to your sales representative directly for specific inquiries.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We’re looking forward to navigating this next chapter together.
— The Serendipity Wines Team