Anheuser-Busch is backing legislation in California that would allow beer companies to give away gifts valued up to $5 each, rather than the .25 cent cap now imposed in the state.

"At that rate, beer makers would be able to give youth T-shirts, plush toys, glasses, and posters, as well as other high-ticket items," according to an action alert issued by the Marin Institute, which urged supporters to contact state lawmakers and urge them to vote against the measure.

The California Small Brewers Association also opposes the legislation. "The law now in place helps create an equal playing field for both small and large breweries," the group said in a letter to 'beer activists and homebrewers.' "Anheuser-Busch wants to increase the limit 1,600 percent so they can use give-ways as an inducement to gain placements in stores, bars and restaurants. Craft brewers -- because we are small, independent businesses which brew with passion and typically do not have large marketing budgets -- cannot afford to compete with the big brewers on this level. Passing this bill will allow large corporate brewers to 'buy' retail placements at craft beers expense."