This bill amends the Arkansas Code to redefine "beer" and adjust the allowable alcoholic content in beer and malt beverages. The definition of beer is updated to include any fermented liquor made from malt or substitutes with an alcoholic content not exceeding fourteen percent (14%) by weight, replacing the previous limit of five percent (5%). Additionally, malt beverages are explicitly included within this definition. The bill also modifies various sections of the Arkansas Code to reflect this new definition and the increased alcohol content limit, ensuring that all references to beer and malt beverages align with the updated standards.

Furthermore, the bill establishes regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of beer and light wine, allowing for beer with an alcoholic content of up to fourteen percent (14%) by weight while maintaining a separate limit of five percent (5%) for light wine. It also outlines prohibitions for brewers and distributors regarding the possession and sale of beer exceeding the new alcohol content threshold. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the state's alcohol regulations and accommodate a broader range of beer products.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1173 V2 - 1-30-2025 10:06 AM: 3-1-102(a), 3-5-201(a), 3-5-202(1), 3-5-214(a), 3-5-221(b), 3-5-221(d), 3-5-227(a), 3-5-1202(2), 3-5-1403(2), 3-5-1901(3), 3-7-104(6), 3-7-116(a), 01-30-2025, 3-8-401, 3-8-601(1)
Old version HB1173 Original - 1-17-2025 04:05 PM: 3-1-102(a), 3-5-201(a), 3-5-202(1), 3-5-214(a), 3-5-221(b), 3-5-221(d), 3-5-227(a), 3-5-1202(2), 3-5-1403(2), 3-5-1901(3), 3-7-104(6), 3-7-116(a), 3-8-401, 3-8-601(1)
HB 1173: 3-1-102(a), 3-5-201(a), 3-5-202(1), 3-5-214(a), 3-5-221(b), 3-5-221(d), 3-5-227(a), 3-5-1202(2), 3-5-1403(2), 3-5-1901(3), 3-7-104(6), 3-7-116(a), 3-8-401, 3-8-601(1)