Connecticut House Bill HB06455

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

An Act Allowing Restaurants And Bars To Fill Growlers.

Impact

The bill's implementation could significantly affect state laws surrounding the sale and distribution of alcohol in Connecticut. By officially allowing the sale of growlers, the legislation seeks to clarify and legalize a practice that many establishments may already engage in informally. This move may help standardize regulations surrounding craft beer sales and provide a framework for enforcing best practices in the pouring and sealing of growlers, ensuring consumer safety and compliance with health regulations.

Summary

House Bill 06455 proposes to amend Title 30 of the general statutes, which governs the sale of alcoholic beverages, specifically to allow restaurants and bars holding valid alcoholic liquor permits to fill growlers with beer. This legislative initiative reflects a growing trend in the beverage industry, catering to consumer demands for convenience and the enjoyment of craft beer options outside of traditional settings. Supporters of the bill argue that it would enhance customer satisfaction and potentially increase revenue for establishments by allowing them to sell beer in a to-go format.

Contention

While the majority of discussions around HB06455 appear to focus on its favorable impacts, there may be concerns raised by opponents regarding potential negative effects on local breweries or the control of alcohol distribution. Some stakeholders in the liquor industry could argue that the increased availability of packaged beer might lead to competitive disadvantages for small breweries that do not have the same capacity to produce or distribute their products in growlers. Additionally, there could be public health arguments made regarding the potential misuse of growlers, which might necessitate strict compliance measures.