Winery Sues Over Forced Marketing Fees

A Southern California winery is suing Santa Barbara County over a new mandatory one percent sales fee and forced membership in a regional vintners’ association, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to free speech and due process. Owners Norm Yost and Kate Griffith claim they’re being compelled to fund marketing and support an organization that no longer represents their interests, especially as wealthier wineries dominate its direction. Represented by the Goldwater Institute, they say attempts to negotiate were ignored, and the case could set a dangerous precedent for other industries nationwide. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bf5be90e93445803