In the hospitality industry, laws don’t often make headlines. But a new California law is about to change how thousands of restaurants and bars handle alcohol payments. The good news is that there’s already a solution. AB 2991, signed in 2024, takes effect on January 1, 2026. It requires that all payments for beer, wine, and spirits deliveries be made electronically. One critical detail: the payment must be initiated by the distributor. Retailers can no longer just log into their bank account and send a payment.
That’s where Fintech comes in. A leader in alcohol payment compliance for more than 30 years, Fintech is offering a free, easy-to-use solution to help California businesses meet the new requirements without missing a beat.
“We’ve built a self-sign-up product that’s free for retailers and fully compliant with the new law,” says Wendy Turk, Fintech’s VP of Regulatory Affairs. “You don’t have to wait for an invite from a distributor. You can go to fintech.com, select your alcohol vendors, and start centralizing your payments today.”
Wendy has spent over two decades working in the alcohol industry. She’s seen firsthand what happens when regulations shift and businesses aren’t ready. During COVID, she helped keep operators informed through rapidly changing executive orders and emergency rules. Now she’s helping them get ahead of a deadline that won’t be pushed.
Why This Law Matters
Fraud is no longer rare. According to federal data, check fraud cases have more than doubled in recent years. For restaurants still relying on paper checks or cash to pay distributors, that’s a real threat. But the risks go beyond security.
“Every time a delivery involves a manual payment, it adds 15 to 20 minutes to the stop,” says Wendy. “It slows down operations, increases exposure to theft, and pulls staff away from their guests.” Fintech’s system removes those pain points. Distributors upload an invoice. Fintech initiates the payment. Operators get confirmation without the need to write checks, log into bank portals, or worry about staying compliant with the 30-day payment terms regulated by the California ABC.
Built for Busy Operators
Wendy understands that most restaurant owners are doing the best they can with limited time, limited resources, and a whole lot of pressure. That’s exactly why Fintech’s solution is designed to be simple, flexible, and effective.
“This isn’t just for big groups or chains,” she says. “It’s for the local taqueria, the family-owned bar, and the neighborhood restaurant trying to stay compliant without hiring a full finance team.”
Fintech is already used by more than 450 alcohol distributors in California, including many self-distributing wineries and breweries. If a distributor isn’t already on the platform, Wendy’s team will reach out and get them onboard. And it’s not just alcohol. Fintech now offers tools to help operators pay non-alcohol vendors as well.
A Smarter Way Forward
This law is about more than compliance. It’s a chance to upgrade how the industry operates. Technology is helping restaurant owners save time, reduce mistakes, and eliminate stress. Just like sales tax automation or inventory software, automated alcohol payments are another tool that gives operators time back.
“Moving to electronic payments isn’t scary,” says Wendy. “It’s the digital version of a check. You’re still paying your invoice, but you’re doing it in a way that’s more secure, more efficient, and fully compliant.”
Wendy and the Fintech team are offering webinars, one-on-one support, and detailed online resources to help operators get ready well before the law kicks in. Their message is clear: this transition doesn’t have to be painful.
Note: Since the recording of this episode there has also been major law change in Nevada similar to that of California
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