Mason Delacroix
Everclear 190-proof alcohol is illegal in California, along with 14 other states. This means that in-person purchases of Everclear are illegal in these states. Everclear is a brand name that has become synonymous with strong liquor, and some US states believe it is simply too strong. California rules regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages prohibit the sale of Everclear 190-proof alcohol on store shelves in California. However, California does allow for the sale of Everclear alcohol bottled at 151 proof (75.5% ABV).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for unavailability | California rules regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages prohibit the sale of 190-proof alcohol. |
| Availability of alternatives | 151-proof Everclear is available in California. 200-proof food-grade ethanol can be purchased online and shipped to California. |
| Regulatory body | Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) |
| Regulatory code | Business and Professions Code sections 23004 and 23403 |
| Availability in other states | Everclear 190 is legal in 32-36 states and banned in 15-17 states. |
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What You'll Learn
- California law prohibits the sale of 190-proof alcohol in stores
- Pharmacies and drug stores can sell 190-proof alcohol with a prescription
- Everclear 190 is banned in California but not all types of Everclear
- California allows the sale of Everclear at 151 proof (75.5% ABV)
- California permits the sale of 200-proof food-grade ethanol
California law prohibits the sale of 190-proof alcohol in stores
California has strict laws regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages. The state prohibits the retail sale of undenatured alcoholic beverages that contain more than 60% of alcohol by volume (ABV) (also known as 120 proof) without a prescription. This restriction includes popular high-proof alcoholic beverages such as Everclear 190, which is available in several other states but banned from store shelves in California.
The relevant legislation is outlined in the Business and Professions Code section 23403, which states:
> "No retail licensee, except a pharmacy or drug store registered with the California State Board of Pharmacy, shall sell or possess on his licensed premises any undenatured alcohol of any proof or compound thereof which is an alcoholic beverage as defined in Section 23004 containing more than 60 percent of alcohol by volume. Undenatured alcohol shall be sold at retail only upon the prescription or order of the holder of a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate or a dentist’s or veterinarian’s license."
This means that while it is not illegal to possess 190-proof alcohol in California, it is illegal for retailers to sell it without a prescription. The law makes an exception for pharmacies and drug stores, which are permitted to sell undenatured alcohol with a prescription.
The restriction on the retail sale of high-proof alcohol in California is likely due to safety concerns. Alcoholic beverages with extremely high ABV can be dangerous if consumed in excess or by those who are inexperienced or unaware of their potency. Additionally, high-proof alcohol can be used for various purposes beyond beverage consumption, such as the creation of herbal tinctures, extracts, organic food colouring, perfumes, and disinfectants.
While 190-proof alcohol is not available for purchase in California stores, residents can obtain it by travelling out of state or ordering it online from websites like extractohol.com or CulinarySolvent.com, which offer shipping to California residents.
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Pharmacies and drug stores can sell 190-proof alcohol with a prescription
In California, the sale of 190-proof alcohol is prohibited on store shelves. This includes Everclear 190, which is a type of grain alcohol that is considered too strong for some states. However, pharmacies and drug stores registered with the California State Board of Pharmacy are allowed to sell 190-proof alcohol with a prescription. This is outlined in the Business and Professions Code section 23403, which states that "no retail licensee, except a pharmacy or drug store registered with the California State Board of Pharmacy, shall sell or possess on his licensed premises any undenatured alcohol of any proof or compound thereof which is an alcoholic beverage...containing more than 60 percent of alcohol by volume".
The code further states that "undenatured alcohol shall be sold at retail only upon the prescription or order of the holder of a physician's and surgeon's certificate or a dentist's or veterinarian's license". This means that while it is not available in stores, residents of California can obtain 190-proof alcohol with a prescription from a pharmacy or drug store.
It is important to note that even with a prescription, the availability of 190-proof alcohol may vary between locations within California. Additionally, there are other options for obtaining high-proof alcohol in California, such as purchasing 151-proof Everclear or other brands of high-proof alcohol that are not specifically 190-proof. Some people also choose to purchase high-proof alcohol in states where it is legal and bring it back to California, or order 200-proof food-grade ethanol online, which is allowed in the state.
The regulations surrounding the sale of high-proof alcohol in California are in place to balance the availability of these products for various purposes, including culinary, craft, and medicinal applications, while also ensuring their safe and responsible use.
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Everclear 190 is banned in California but not all types of Everclear
California has strict regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages. The state prohibits the sale of Everclear 190-proof alcohol in stores. However, it's important to note that not all types of Everclear are banned in California.
Everclear is a brand name for a type of grain alcohol that is known for its high alcohol content. The standard variety of Everclear is 190-proof, which means it contains 95% alcohol. Due to its high alcohol content, Everclear 190 is banned from being sold in California stores. This restriction is likely due to the state's concern over the potential for misuse or abuse of such a high-alcohol product.
However, it is important to differentiate between Everclear 190 and other types of Everclear with lower alcohol content. California does allow the sale of Everclear alcohol at lower proofs, specifically 151-proof (75.5% ABV). This variety of Everclear is permitted on store shelves and can be purchased by consumers in California.
Additionally, California also permits the sale of 200-proof food-grade ethanol, which is even stronger than Everclear 190. This product is allowed for non-beverage purposes, such as tinctures, extracts, and culinary creations. It is important to note that 200-proof ethanol should not be substituted with "denatured alcohol," which contains additives to deter consumption.
While Everclear 190 is banned from being sold in California stores, it is possible for residents to obtain it through other means. Some individuals have reported purchasing Everclear 190 online and having it shipped to California, despite the product being illegal in the state. However, it is important to note that doing so may be subject to different regulations and may not be advisable.
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California allows the sale of Everclear at 151 proof (75.5% ABV)
California has strict regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of high-proof alcohol, and this includes Everclear, a grain-based, neutral-flavored spirit. While Everclear can be legally sold in some states at 190 proof (95% ABV), California has set a lower limit. The state allows the sale of Everclear at only 151 proof (75.5% ABV). This restriction is in place due to safety concerns and is a result of California's stringent alcohol control laws.
The state has a history of strict alcohol regulation, and these laws are enforced by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). California's alcohol regulations are designed to promote the safe and responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. By limiting the availability of high-proof alcohol, the state aims to reduce the potential for abuse and the associated health and social issues.
Everclear at 151 proof is still a very strong and potent alcohol product. It is typically used for culinary purposes, such as extracting flavors or making high-proof tinctures, and is also utilized in the production of some alcoholic beverages. At this proof, Everclear is not suitable for consumption in the same way that lower-proof spirits are typically enjoyed.
Allowing the sale of Everclear at 151 proof strikes a balance between providing access to a product with specific industrial and culinary uses while also prioritizing public health and safety. This measure ensures that a highly concentrated form of alcohol is not widely available for general consumption, helping to prevent accidental or intentional misuse.
While Everclear at 190 proof may be legally sold in other states, California's decision to restrict its availability to 151 proof reflects the state's commitment to responsible alcohol regulation. This approach is in line with California's overall focus on promoting safe and healthy communities, and it ensures that high-proof alcohol is limited to specific industrial and culinary applications.
It's important to note that even at 151 proof, Everclear is a highly potent substance that should be handled with care and used only as intended. California's regulations help ensure that this product is used responsibly and for its intended purposes.
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California permits the sale of 200-proof food-grade ethanol
California has a unique set of rules and regulations governing the sale, possession, and use of food-grade ethanol. The state's laws define undenatured 190-proof and 200-proof ethanol as a "nonvolatile solvent," making it legal for extractions and processing operations. This means that California permits the sale of 200-proof food-grade ethanol, which is often used in tinctures, extracts, organic food colouring, perfumes, disinfectants, and other craft-related applications.
While California prohibits the sale of Everclear 190-proof alcohol in stores, it does allow for the sale of Everclear alcohol bottled at 151 proof (75.5% ABV). This is because, historically, the cap for distilling alcohol at atmospheric pressure was 190 proof (95% ABV) due to basic chemistry limitations. However, advancements like ceramic filters now make it possible to produce food-safe 200-proof ethanol.
When purchasing food-grade ethanol in California, it is important to understand the state's regulations and exemptions. While no permits or licenses are required to purchase and ship food-grade ethanol in California, buyers must ensure that the product is shipped to a business or residential address, as PO boxes are not allowed. Additionally, buyers should look for products labelled as "food grade" or "undenatured/non-denatured" to ensure they are purchasing pure ethyl alcohol.
Several online platforms, such as CulinarySolvent.com and SimpleSolvents.com, offer 200-proof food-grade ethanol for sale in California. These platforms provide a wide selection of products, including USDA Certified Organic Alcohol, with quick and easy ordering and shipping processes. Buyers can also find 200-proof food-grade ethanol at local stores, although availability may vary by location.
Overall, while California has specific regulations surrounding the sale of high-proof alcoholic beverages, the state does permit the sale and use of 200-proof food-grade ethanol for various applications.
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Frequently asked questions
California has a law that prevents the sale of any alcohol over 120 proof that isn't in a recognised category, such as whiskey.
The strongest alcohol available in California is 151 proof Everclear.
Proof is a measure of the alcohol content in a drink. It is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume. So, 191 proof is 95.5% ABV.
