Substitute House Bill No. 6854, also known as Public Act No. 25-51, amends various sections of Connecticut's liquor laws, primarily focusing on the regulation of alcoholic beverages by the Department of Consumer Protection. Key changes include a revised definition of "case price" in section 30-1, which now allows for different bottle sizes within a case while deleting previous specifications. The bill also limits the number of times a person or entity can receive fewer quantities than specified to eight times per calendar year. Additionally, it modifies the permit system, clarifying that permits are personal privileges that can be revoked and must be renewed annually, with specific exceptions. The bill introduces new provisions for farm winery permits, allowing direct sales and shipments to consumers under certain conditions, and emphasizes age verification for alcohol deliveries.

Further amendments include the establishment of new permit types, such as in-state transporter permits, and the introduction of regulations for out-of-state shippers, including labeling and tax compliance. The bill also allows for expanded activities related to the sale and sampling of alcoholic beverages, such as free tastings and educational classes at package stores. It modifies the application process for liquor permits, requiring completion of a liquor education program by January 1, 2026, for new applicants. The bill repeals and substitutes several sections to streamline regulations and enhance compliance, ultimately aiming to modernize the framework governing the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Connecticut.

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