General Law Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5306
AN ACT ALLOWING CERTAIN PERMITTEES TO SELL ALCHOLIC LIQUOR
Title: FOR OFF-PREMISES CONSUMPTION
Vote Date: 3/9/21
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/4/2021
File No.: 117
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:
This bill is the outcome of an executive order from the Governor during the pandemic. This
was introduced to allow consumer to enjoy alcoholic beverages from the safety of their home,
as well as keep small businesses like restaurants and breweries competitive and their doors
open. The bill would be a three-year trial period. It would allow sales and deliveries only
during the hours package stores are currently open, and the direct employee of the
manufacturer or restaurant may be the only one to make the delivery. The bill also limits the
amounts of liquor per order as well as the container must be sealed. This bill overall would
allow consumer more access to alcoholic beverages as well as continue to help business
recover from the pandemic while providing safe service.
JFS LANGUAGE:
Defines manufacturer permittee and includes exceptions for containers, delivery of products
with out food and limits the amount of wine and beer per order.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None submitted
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Connecticut Beer Wholesalers Association supports the bill. Continuing the sales of to go
helps create additional revenue during this time. We would like the language strengthened
by ensuring guide lines on quality, package and beverage type limitations and prohibiting
sales below cost.
Phil Pappas, Executive Director, Connecticut Brewers Guild testified in support of the bill.
The language in the bill enables a consumer the convenience of two drinks at a time. Ninety
five percent of breweries do not have kitchens nor prepare food on-site. We need to maintain
flexibilities of service and benefits for our employees and consumers.
Jay Hibbard, Distilled Spirits Councils submitted testimony in support of the bill. The
restaurant business has been one of the most impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Job
loss has been in the thousands and long established restaurants have closed for ever. The
temporary approval of cocktails-to-go provided a source of revenue to many struggling
hospitality businesses. This bill extends that for an additional three years. Many states have
already extended their sales as demonstrated by the attached map.
Carol Martel, Wine Institute supports the bill. This legislation is timely and essential for
Connecticut's restaurant and bars to stay in business. Wineries have been hard hit by the
pandemic and direct consumer wine shipment has increased it has not come close to
compensating for the loss of wine sales. Ohio, DC, Iowa and Oklahoma have made
cocktails-to-go permanent and several states have legislation pending and many have
granted this privilege on a temporary basis.
Tom Atkins, Owner, New Park Brewing submitted testimony in favor of the bill. Many
changes to our business have happened in the last two years. Curbside pick up and delivery
options have benefitted our customers and employees. We need to continue to be able to
deliver our product as well as curbside pick-up. Our employees have benefitted from job
security and increased learning opportunities and have been able to add full and part-time
jobs as we grow our presence in Connecticut.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Brian Moran. New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association
opposes the bill. We understand and appreciate the well-intentioned motivations but prior to
the pandemic there is no necessity for these measures so there is no need after the
executive orders are lifted.
Reported by: Pamela Bianca March 24, 2021
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