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 consistency across different regulations related to the manufacture, sale, and taxation of beer and malt beverages.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that beer with an alcoholic content exceeding fourteen percent (14%) is prohibited from being kept or sold in certain licensed premises. It also outlines the tax implications for beer and hard cider, maintaining the tax rate for products with the new alcohol content limit. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the state's alcohol regulations by allowing for a broader range of beer products while ensuring that the sale and distribution remain regulated.

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)