Connecticut House Bill HB05446

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/16
• Refer: 2/25/16

Caption

An Act Requiring Certain Liquor Permittees To Procure And Maintain Liquor Liability Insurance.

Impact

If enacted, HB05446 will amend existing state statutes governing liquor permits, stipulating that a valid insurance certificate must accompany all new permit applications or renewals. This legislative change could have far-reaching implications for the operational landscape of restaurants, cafes, and taverns, as they must now ensure compliance with these insurance requirements. The introduction of mandatory insurance coverage may lead to increased operational costs for these businesses, which could affect pricing and service availability in the sector.

Summary

House Bill 05446 is designed to mandate certain liquor permittees, specifically those operating restaurants, cafes, and taverns, to procure and maintain liquor liability insurance. The act not only aims to enhance the safety and accountability of establishments serving alcohol but also requires these permittees to submit proof of insurance coverage as part of their permit application and renewal processes. The proposed legislation reflects a significant shift in regulatory requirements, signaling an increased emphasis on risk management within the alcohol service industry.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at enhancing liability protection, it has prompted various discussions regarding its potential financial impacts on small business owners in the hospitality industry. Opponents may argue that the requirement for liquor liability insurance could disproportionately affect smaller establishments that might find it more challenging to meet these new requirements or absorb the additional costs. Some stakeholders may also voice concerns regarding the effectiveness of such measures in preventing alcohol-related incidents versus the unintended consequences of burdening small businesses.