California Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Limit Alcohol Sales for Repeat DUI Offenders

The proposed legislation would give judges the power to restrict alcohol purchases for those with multiple DUI convictions.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A California state lawmaker has introduced a new bill that would allow judges to block alcohol sales to individuals convicted of multiple DUI offenses. The goal is to reduce repeat drunk driving incidents by restricting access to alcohol for those who have shown a pattern of irresponsible and dangerous behavior behind the wheel.

Why it matters

Drunk driving continues to be a major public safety issue in California, with thousands of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities each year. This proposed law aims to target the most high-risk offenders in an effort to keep roads safer for all Californians.

The details

The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Sarah Johnson, would give judges the discretion to prohibit the purchase of alcohol for individuals convicted of two or more DUI offenses within a 10-year period. The restriction would last for up to 5 years and apply to all alcohol sales, including at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants.

  • The bill was introduced in the California State Assembly on February 1, 2026.

The players

Assemblymember Sarah Johnson

The California state legislator who introduced the bill to restrict alcohol sales for repeat DUI offenders.

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What they’re saying

“We must do more to get hardcore drunk drivers off our roads and protect innocent Californians. This bill is a common-sense step to hold repeat offenders accountable and keep alcohol out of their hands.”

— Assemblymember Sarah Johnson (abc10.com)

What’s next

The bill will now go through the California legislative process, including committee hearings and votes in both the State Assembly and Senate, before potentially reaching the Governor's desk for signature into law.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation represents an aggressive new approach to tackling the persistent problem of drunk driving in California by directly limiting access to alcohol for the most high-risk offenders. If passed, it could serve as a model for other states looking to get tough on repeat DUI crimes.