A California Assembly bill aimed at reshaping travel and consumption habits along the U.S.-Mexico border has cleared its first major hurdle. The proposal would allow thousands of border residents to bring larger quantities of alcohol across for personal use.
The proposed legislation, known as the Beverage Import Parity Act of 2026 (AB 2751), was introduced by San Diego Assemblymember David Alvarez. It successfully passed a full vote in the lower house and now heads to the state Senate. The goal is to update current rules that restrict how many bottles travelers can bring for personal consumption when crossing the border.
Under existing California law, pedestrians or state residents crossing from Mexico by vehicle may bring in only one liter of alcohol every 31 days, in line with the federal duty-free limit. By contrast, travelers arriving on commercial carriers such as airplanes or cruise ships can import up to 60 liters (roughly five cases) for personal use.
AB 2751 seeks to eliminate that discrepancy by establishing a uniform cap of six liters every 31 days for any adult entering by land, regardless of where they live.
“I’m glad to see that AB 2751 has been approved in the Assembly and will now move on to the Senate,” said Jared Gutierrez, Director and Founder, JG Concierge PR & Travel Experiences. “This bill represents a necessary strategic step to strengthen the economic and tourism dynamics of our binational region. It also provides greater clarity on how many bottles visitors can bring back when returning to California, something many people genuinely want to know after visiting our wine region.”
The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration. If approved by both chambers and signed by the Governor this fall, the measure would take effect on January 1, 2027.
