The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has stated that it is legal for bars to take bitcoin as a form of payment, according to Wired.
It should be noted here that the news comes following the Ohio Department of Public Safety prohibiting bitcoin’s use for alcohol sales earlier this week.
ABC information officer John Carr told CoinDesk that accepting bitcoin, whether for alcohol or anything else, is perfectly legal in the state of California.
“Bitcoin can be accepted if a bar, restaurant or liquor store or place that sells alcoholic beverages, wishes to accept it. That’s their business decision,” said Carr.
The ABC says that businesses can decide whether or not to accept bitcoin as a form of payment.
It should be noted here, however, that the California government has still not established its regulatory stance on bitcoin.
In a document released earlier this month, the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO) cautioned consumers about the possible risks of cryptocurrencies, which include volatility and lack of consumer protection.
However, the California State Assembly is trying to expand the definition of “lawful money” in the state to include cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. California
Assemblyman Roger Dickinson is leading the effort.
A number of bitcoin businesses and startups, including Coinbase and Kraken, among others are already operating in California.
