PROPOSAL FOR BALLOT INITIATIVE:

Title of the Initiative:
"Military Service Alcohol Purchase Act"

Summary:
This initiative proposes an amendment to California’s alcohol consumption laws to allow individuals aged 18 and older, who are active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages, provided they present a valid military identification card. This will provide a legal exception to the state's existing law that sets the minimum drinking age at 21 for all persons, regardless of military service.

Text of the Initiative:
The initiative seeks to amend Section 25658 of the California Business and Professions Code, permitting individuals who are 18 years of age or older and who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) to legally purchase and possess alcoholic beverages in California upon presenting valid military identification. This provision seeks to recognize the maturity and responsibility of active-duty service members and provide them with this legal privilege in acknowledgment of their service.

Proposed Changes to Current Law:

The minimum drinking age for service members in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, will be lowered to 18 years.
The purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages will be permissible for qualifying individuals who present valid military identification cards.
Establishments selling alcohol must verify military identification before serving or selling alcohol to qualifying individuals.
Reason for the Initiative:
California’s existing alcohol laws set the minimum drinking age at 21 for all persons. However, military personnel are subject to different responsibilities and restrictions under federal law. This initiative seeks to align California’s alcohol laws with the recognition of the special status of military personnel, offering them the right to purchase and consume alcohol at the age of 18, consistent with other privileges afforded to them due to their service.

Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impact of this proposal is expected to be minimal. It may result in a small increase in alcohol sales at retail outlets and establishments, which could generate additional state and local tax revenue. Enforcement costs are expected to be negligible, as existing systems for verifying identification will be used.

Argument in Favor of the Initiative:
Active-duty military service members sacrifice much to protect our freedoms. These young men and women are entrusted with significant responsibilities and are already authorized to serve, vote, and defend our country. It is only fair that they should be afforded the same rights as other adults when it comes to the legal purchase of alcohol. This initiative recognizes their service and treats them with the respect they deserve, while still maintaining safeguards to ensure alcohol is purchased responsibly.

Signatures Required for Ballot:
In accordance with California's initiative process, proponents of this initiative must gather 623,212 valid signatures from registered voters across the state to qualify this measure for the 2025 ballot.