General Law Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5173
AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR AND TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE
Title: LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.
Vote Date:
Vote Action:
PH Date: 2/25/2020
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
General Law Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
To make minor and technical revisions to the 2019 Liquor Bill, Public Act 19-24.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Michelle Seagull, Commissioner of Consumer Protection:
The bill would make numerous minor technical and clarifying revisions to the Liquor Control
Act. Changes would be made in sections 1 thru 49 from two drink concession sales, changes
in definitions, removing requirements, shorter deadlines for investigations, druggist permits
and cater liquor permits in lieu of restaurant permits.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Keith Mahler, Premier Facilities LLC, representing New Haven Center for Performing
Arts (College Street Music Hall):
We support the bill but would like you to allow the backer or holder of a non-profit theater
permit also be a backer or holder of a coliseum permit and including in this bill the same two
drink limit as provided last session in SB 647 for coliseum permits.
Connecticut Beer Wholesaler Association:
Section 28 holds concerns. Defining "Just and Sufficient Cause" should not be presumed.
The system has worked well for many years because it affords the Liquor Control
Commission the flexibility to address each situation on its own facts and merits.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Brescome Barton Inc:
Brescome Barton strongly opposes the change to the language in Section 28th specifically
lines 977-980. The proposed change is harmful to wholesalers and supplies. We understand
the intention is to protect the small supplier but the reality is this proposal may make
wholesalers reluctant to create relationships with small suppliers.
Lawrence Cafero, Jr, Executive Director and General Counsel, Wine and Spirits
Whlesalers of Connecticut, Inc,
The bill if passed would significantly and unnecessarily change the "just cause" provision in
our current law. This provision has been in our statutes for several decades and is also know
as "franchise protection" The language in Lines 977-980 are extremely vague and ignores the
reality that sales patterns of alcohol beverage products can be inconsistent especially high
end and limited edition items and ignores the possibility of an economic slowdown.
Reported by: Pamela Bianca Date: 03/11/2020
Page 2 of 2 HB-5173


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 30-12, 30-13a, 30-14, 30-24, 30-24b, 30-25, 30-25a, 30-37f, 30-38, 30-45, 30-46, 30-46a, 30-51, 30-53, 30-54, 30-81, 30-90, 30-91a, 30-7, 30-8, 30-17, 30-33, 30-35b, 30-36, 30-37, 30-39, 30-47, 30-56, 30-59, 30-61, 30-64b, 30-67, 30-68n, 30-74, 30-93a, 30-113, 30-35a