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 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.

Further amendments include the requirement for farm winery permit holders to maintain a chronological ledger of transactions and to hold an in-state transporter permit. The bill 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. It modifies the definition of a "grocery store" and introduces new permit types for transporters, with specific fees and conditions. The bill also expands activities for package store holders, allowing free samples and tastings, and revises the application process for liquor permits to enhance regulatory clarity. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the regulatory framework surrounding alcoholic beverages, ensuring compliance with state laws while supporting local businesses.

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