House Bill No. 5425, as amended, proposes to significantly reduce the annual fee for cafe permits specifically for railways from $2,000 to $200. This bill applies to corporations operating railways in Connecticut, including those that run club, parlor, dining, buffet, or lounge cars on railway lines. The cafe permit allows for the retail sale and public consumption of alcoholic liquor on the train, with the stipulation that food must be available for sale during most operating hours. The bill clarifies that the availability of food from nearby vendors can satisfy this requirement, and it removes any obligation for food sales to be substantial or tied to a specific percentage of total sales.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for outdoor service of alcoholic beverages with prior approval from the Department of Consumer Protection, and it establishes that the permit will allow the sale of sealed containers of draught beer for off-premises consumption. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025. The amendment replaces the original bill, which had proposed a short-term cafe permit for railways, and it is expected to result in a potential revenue loss of up to $18,000 annually for the General Fund, depending on the number of railways that apply for the reduced fee.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 30-1, 30-12, 30-38, 30-45, 30-53, 30-54
GL Joint Favorable: 30-1, 30-12, 30-38, 30-45, 30-53, 30-54
File No. 300: 30-1, 30-12, 30-38, 30-45, 30-53, 30-54