This bill proposes extensive amendments to the Code of West Virginia regarding the licensing and regulation of nonintoxicating beer, craft beer, wine, and liquor. Key changes include the elimination of certain license fees, such as the nonintoxicating beer growler fee, and the introduction of new provisions that allow Class A and Class B retail dealers to conduct limited sampling of nonintoxicating beer without additional fees. The bill also establishes a new fee structure for various licenses, including a private venue license, while repealing several existing licenses and their associated fees. Additionally, it clarifies the authority of licensees regarding the sale of wine and nonintoxicating beer and allows for the transport of liquor purchased from distilleries under specific conditions.

Moreover, the bill modifies operational requirements for private clubs and venues, including the implementation of age verification systems and the ability to conduct charitable auctions. It introduces new definitions for private sports venues and private clubs, specifying operational criteria such as the need for a full kitchen and dining facilities. The legislation also allows for the sale of craft cocktail growlers and establishes a new Class S4 special permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages in approved outdoor areas. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process, enhance consumer access to alcoholic beverages, and promote the local brewing and wine industries while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-16-6, 11-16-6b, 11-16-6c, 11-16-9, 11-16-11a, 17C-5D-3, 60-2-17b, 60-3A-12, 60-3A-17, 60-3A-19, 60-4-3a, 60-4-3b, 60-7-2, 60-7-2a, 60-7-6, 60-7-8b, 60-7-8d, 60-7-8e, 60-7-8f, 60-7-8g, 60-7-15, 60-8-2, 60-8-3, 60-8-3a, 60-8-6a, 60-8-6b, 60-8-6c, 60-8-6d, 60-8-6g, 60-8-16, 60-8-24, 60-8-32, 60-8-34, 60-8A-5, 60-7-8c
Committee Substitute: 11-16-6, 11-16-6b, 11-16-6c, 11-16-9, 11-16-11a, 17C-5D-3, 60-2-17b, 60-3A-12, 60-3A-17, 60-3A-19, 60-4-3a, 60-4-3b, 60-7-2, 60-7-2a, 60-7-6, 60-7-8b, 60-7-8d, 60-7-8e, 60-7-8f, 60-7-8g, 60-7-15, 60-8-2, 60-8-3, 60-8-3a, 60-8-6a, 60-8-6b, 60-8-6c, 60-8-6d, 60-8-6g, 60-8-16, 60-8-32, 60-8-34, 60-8A-5, 60-7-8c
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 11-16-6b, 11-16-6c, 11-16-9, 11-16-11a, 17C-5D-3, 60-2-17b, 60-3A-12, 60-3A-17, 60-3A-19, 60-4-3a, 60-4-3b, 60-7-2, 60-7-2a, 60-7-6, 60-7-8b, 60-7-8d, 60-7-8e, 60-7-8f, 60-7-8g, 60-7-15, 60-8-2, 60-8-3, 60-8-3a, 60-8-6a, 60-8-6b, 60-8-6c, 60-8-6d, 60-8-6g, 60-8-16, 60-8-32, 60-8-34, 60-8A-5, 60-7-8c