Substitute House Bill No. 6854, also known as Public Act No. 25-51, amends existing laws governing the regulation of alcoholic liquor in Connecticut, focusing on the sale, distribution, and permitting processes. The bill introduces new definitions and regulations for the "case price" of alcoholic beverages, reducing the maximum number of certain bottle sizes in a case from six to three thousand seven hundred fifty milliliters. It also establishes that the Commissioner of Consumer Protection cannot authorize fewer quantities or numbers of bottles for any one entity more than eight times in a calendar year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that permits for alcoholic beverage sales are personal privileges that can be revoked and introduces provisions for farm wineries to sell and ship wine directly to consumers under specific conditions, including age verification and tax compliance.

The bill further modifies the permit system, requiring permit holders to maintain a chronological ledger of transactions and hold an in-state transporter permit. It allows farm wineries to sell their products at farmers' markets and operate up to three retail outlets, while also establishing labeling and age verification requirements for direct shipments. Other amendments include the introduction of new permit types, such as annual and daily in-state transporter permits, and the expansion of activities for package store holders, including free samples and tastings. The bill aims to enhance regulatory compliance, streamline the permitting process, and support local farm wineries while ensuring responsible alcohol distribution practices.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 30-22b, 30-37j, 30-39, 30-47, 30-51, 30-76, 30-87, 30-90, 30-98, 30-101, 30-113, 30-53
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 30-20, 30-22b, 30-39, 30-45, 30-47, 30-87, 30-53
File No. 617: 30-20, 30-22b, 30-39, 30-45, 30-47, 30-87, 30-53
File No. 983: 30-20, 30-22b, 30-39, 30-45, 30-47, 30-87, 30-53
Public Act No. 25-51: 30-20, 30-22b, 30-33, 30-39, 30-45, 30-47, 30-87, 30-53