Bill Would Let Zoo Recognize Liquor Firm Donors

With the San Diego Zoo specifically in mind, the Assembly on Wednesday voted, 54-12, for a bill allowing nonprofit zoos and aquariums to accept and officially recognize corporate donations from beer and liquor manufacturers.

The zoo currently recognizes its corporate and individual donors by placing their names on signs, plaques and even leaf-like foliage near exhibits made possible by their gifts.

However, state law prohibits it from doing so for beer, wine and distilled spirit manufacturers because the zoo also holds its own liquor license. The donor plaques are considered “advertising” and are prohibited as a way to discourage sweetheart arrangements between liquor makers and their outlets.

But the zoo and other members of the California Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums want to lift that arcane prohibition, saying it is misguided because their discreet donor plaques are not the same as neon signs and billboards.

The law, they argue, deprives them of valuable donor dollars. “This is one big avenue that has been blocked to us,” San Diego Zoo spokesman Jeff Jouett said.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Jim Costa (D-Fresno), allows “small notices, plaques or signs that portray (liquor manufacturers’) sponsorship or funding of educational programs” at nonprofit zoos accredited by the American Assn. of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

A lobbyist for the bill acknowledged, however, that it would only apply to the San Diego Zoo and two other attractions with their own liquor licenses--Marine World-Africa USA in Vallejo and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A bill analysis given to legislators Wednesday said “the San Diego Zoo is the primary intended beneficiary of this measure.”