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 malt beverages with an alcoholic content of up to ten percent (10%) by weight, replacing the previous limit of five percent (5%). Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "malt beverage," which encompasses liquors brewed from fermented grain juices with an alcoholic content ranging from five percent (5%) to twenty-one percent (21%) by weight.

The bill also modifies various sections of the Arkansas Code to reflect these changes, including the purpose of the beer and light wine subchapter, the oath required for permit applicants, and the regulations surrounding the manufacture and sale of beer. Notably, it establishes that beer with an alcoholic content exceeding ten percent (10%) is prohibited from being kept or sold in certain premises. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the state's alcohol regulations by expanding the definitions and permissible alcohol content for beer and malt beverages.

Statutes affected:
SB 564: 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)
Act 596: 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)