Bill Would Permit Fruit-Infused Booze In California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A San Francisco lawmaker is proposing a law to put the fruit back in booze.

The San Francisco Chronicle says Democrat Mark Leno plans to introduce a bill in the state Senate Monday permitting creation of liquors infused with fruits, vegetables and spices.

The measure would clarify a section of the state legal code that permits mixing drinks with fruit but makes it illegal for bars and restaurants to create their own infusions-- such as homemade sangria. It originally was created to protect drinkers from bad homemade booze after Prohibition was lifted.

Leno's bill would permit barkeepers to make small amounts of artisanal flavored spirits for use in their establishments.

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