Alcohol Justice, the anti-alcohol advocacy group, called on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to sell his personal interests in PlumpJack Wine & Spirits.
Newsom built up a fortune for himself in the alcohol industry as the co-founder of PlumpJack Group, before and during his time in politics. PlumpJack manages a multi-million dollar portfolio of wine stores, wineries, restaurants, and bars across California.
Back in October, Newsom told the Associated Press he wouldn’t sell his interests in the group before becoming Governor. “These are my babies,” he said, referring to the alcohol companies he owns, “my life, my family. I can’t do that. I can’t sell them.”
“I think it is a smart and ethical move that Gavin Newsom put his PlumpJack holdings into a blind trust,” said Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO of Alcohol Justice.. But he will still own those interests, and he will know that many decisions as governor will affect the return on the investment of his ‘babies’. A new 4 a.m. bar bill could land on his desk later this year and we would like him to dispassionately consider the effects on California residents not just on his businesses.”