Connecticut House Bill HB06847

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Allowing The Use Of Self-serve Alcoholic Liquor Machines By Certain Permittees.

Impact

If enacted, HB06847 would significantly alter how alcoholic beverages are dispensed in licensed venues. The integration of self-serve machines may lead to increased efficiency in service, reducing wait times for customers. Moreover, the bill mandates strict age verification practices, requiring that establishments record and validate the age of patrons utilizing the self-serve option. This could potentially increase accountability for permit holders regarding the responsible service of alcohol, aligning with broader public health and safety efforts.

Summary

House Bill 06847 seeks to amend Title 30 of the general statutes to allow permit holders to utilize automated machines to dispense certain types of alcoholic beverages, specifically beer, cider, and wine, for on-premises consumption. This bill stipulates that such machines may only be activated by a payment card and that the user must be verified to be at least twenty-one years old. This innovation looks to streamline the process of serving alcohol while ensuring compliance with existing age restrictions, thereby aiming to enhance customer experience in establishments like restaurants and bars.

Contention

However, the introduction of self-serve liquor machines could also lead to concerns over responsible drinking and enforcement of age restrictions. Critics might argue that this method of dispensing alcohol could make it easier for underage individuals or intoxicated patrons to access liquor without direct supervision from staff members. This bill may provoke debate over the appropriateness of self-service for alcohol and the degree to which it impacts social behaviors around drinking, as well as how well permit holders can ensure compliance with the law.