Connecticut House Bill HB05171

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/20
• Refer: 2/19/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Alcoholic Beverage Retail Permits.

Impact

The bill's implications extend to existing statutory regulations governing the issuance and ownership of alcoholic beverage permits. By allowing an individual or backer to possess a greater number of permits, this change could facilitate the growth of retail establishments catering to alcohol sales. This could lead to increased revenue for some stakeholders while also raising concerns regarding alcohol regulation and potential market saturation in certain areas. It may also affect how permits are transferred and inherited among family members or in business arrangements, ensuring ongoing access and ownership rights.

Summary

House Bill 05171, titled 'An Act Concerning Alcoholic Beverage Retail Permits,' seeks to amend existing legislation regarding the number of alcoholic beverage retail permits that an individual or entity can hold in the state. The bill proposes to increase the limit from four to six permits, presenting an opportunity for those in the retail alcohol business to expand their operations. The intent behind this increase is to promote economic growth for businesses involved in the sale of alcohol, allowing for greater market competition and accessibility for consumers.

Contention

While proponents of HB 05171 argue that enabling more permits will stimulate business and benefit consumers, there are potential contentions surrounding the implications of increased access to alcohol retailing. Critics may highlight concerns about the regulation of alcohol sales and the potential for an over-concentration of liquor stores in certain communities. Such changes could exacerbate societal issues related to alcohol access and consumption. Additionally, the bill may have to navigate opposition from groups advocating for more stringent alcohol control measures to mitigate public health risks.