LEGISLATIVE NEWS: A Rundown of 2015 Bills That Could Impact Your Business

By Lauren Daley

A number of bills concerning alcohol are going before the Connecticut Legislature this 2015 session. A few of these bills will be up for public hearing on Feb. 3 and 4. Here is a brief rundown of proposals as of press time that could impact the state’s beverage industry.The progression of individual bills can be followed at www.cga.ct.gov.

House Bill No. 5033: The act proposes to allow the holder of a manufacturer permit for cider to offer tastings, on the premises of the permittee, of free samples of cider manufactured on the premises. It was referred to Joint Committee on General Law on Jan 7. Introduced by Rep. Kurt Vail, 52nd Dist.

Senate Bill No. 3: The act proposes to prohibit manufacturers and out-of-state shippers from requiring wholesalers to pay for liquor upon delivery and to give wholesalers in good-standing a reasonable amount of time to pay for such liquor. It is slated for a Public Hearing on Feb. 3. Introduced by Sen. Kevin D. Witkos, 8th Dist.

House Bill No. 5119: The bill would allow farm wineries to sell brandy made from grapes harvested on premises but distilled off premises. It is slated for a Public Hearing on Feb. 4. Introduced by the Environment Committee.

House Bill No. 5168: The act would require that a payment made by a purchaser to a wholesaler be made directly to the wholesaler’soffice. It is slated for a public hearing Feb. 3. Introduced by Rep. Prasad Srinivasan, 31st Dist.

House Bill No. 5297: The act would extend the hours for the retail sale of wine and the tasting of free samples of wine by farm winery visitors and prospective retail customers. As of Jan. 13, it was referred to the Joint Committee on General Law. Introduced by Rep. Mike France, 42nd Dist.

House Bill No. 5349: The act would create a cheese shop wine and beer permit to allow cheese shops to sell limited amounts of wine and beer. It is slated for a public hearing Feb. 3. Introduced by Rep. Terrie Wood, 141st Dist.

House Bill 100: The act proposes to eliminate the revision-period during which alcoholic liquor distributors may change monthly posted prices. On Jan. 16, it was referred to the Joint Committee on General Law. Introduced by Sen. Kevin D. Witkos, 8th Dist.

House Bill No. 6541: The act proposes to establish a craft alcoholic liquor distiller permit to encourage the small business of craft alcoholic liquor distilleries. On Jan. 26, it was referred to the Joint Committee on General Law. Introduced by Rep. Mary M. Mushinsky, 85th Dist.

The Beverage Journal will be following these bills throughout the legislative session.