Matthew D. Botting

Matthew D. Botting provides practical advice to importers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers regarding compliance and regulatory matters in the beverage alcohol industry. He helps clients navigate the complexities of California’s tied-house and trade practice laws and regulations, as well as providing counsel on legislation. He brings over 30 years of California state government legal experience, including 17 years as General Counsel for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

In his career with ABC as Chief Counsel, Staff Counsel and General Counsel, Matt was involved in most significant matters handled by the organization, including designated precedential decisions, appeals and writs, legislation and regulations. He helped guide and shape much of the statutory, regulatory and policy decisions of ABC from 2000 – 2025. In doing so, Matt worked closely with industry stakeholders, legislative staff and various units within ABC to help ensure that laws and regulations were consistent, workable and advanced California’s public policy objectives.

Matt was initially appointed to the position of ABC Chief Counsel in 2000. He then left public service for several years to work in the private practice of law for a large national firm, where he advised clients on alcoholic beverage regulatory compliance matters. Prior to his appointment at ABC, Matt served as Deputy Attorney General with the California Department of Justice.

Matthew has been a sought-after speaker at numerous conferences and legal symposia. He has also often been a guest lecturer for law school classes.