This legislation impacts existing statutes around the regulation of alcohol in Indiana. By permitting beer wholesalers to sell mixed beverages without the necessity of maintaining a liquor wholesaler's permit, the bill reduces the financial and administrative burden on wholesalers. It also establishes protocols regarding how these beverages can be transported and delivered, ensuring that transactions occur within the bounds of state law. Any changes within this bill reflect an attempt by the Indiana legislature to facilitate local commerce while maintaining control over alcohol distribution channels.
Summary
House Bill 1219 aims to amend sections of the Indiana Code concerning the possession, transportation, sale, and delivery of mixed beverages by beer wholesalers. Specifically, the bill introduces a formal definition of 'mixed beverages' and allows beer wholesalers to sell and deliver these beverages only to licensed entities. Furthermore, it outlines the types of alcohol permits that recipients of mixed beverage sales must hold, thereby enhancing regulatory clarity in the behavior of wholesalers and the entities they transact with.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1219 include the implications of allowing beer wholesalers to handle mixed beverages without requiring additional permits or fees. Advocates argue it provides a streamlined process that benefits small businesses and local entities looking to expand their product offerings. However, critics may raise concerns regarding the potential for abuse or overreach by allowing wholesalers to navigate around more stringent liquor permit requirements, which could lead to regulatory challenges if not properly monitored. Overall, the balance between fostering business growth and ensuring responsible alcohol distribution remains a central debate in discussions about this bill.
Relating to alcoholic beverages; to amend Sections 28-3-1, 28-3A-3, 28-3A-21, and 28-3A-23, Code of Alabama 1975 and add Sections 28-3-208, 28-3A-9.1, and 28-3A-17.2 to the Code of Alabama 1975; to define a new category of low-alcohol content liquor beverages called mixed spirit beverages; to require all mixed spirit beverages, other than those distributed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, to be distributed through a licensed wholesaler; to levy taxes upon the distribution of these beverages; to provide for licensure of retailers of mixed spirit beverages and set a fee for licensure; to add Chapter 8B to Title 28 of the Code of Alabama 1975; to require licensed importers, manufacturers, and suppliers of mixed spirit beverages to enter into exclusive franchise agreements with wholesalers; to exempt from the wholesaler franchise laws mixed spirit beverages distributed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and sold at retail at ABC stores; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.
Relating to allowing the holder of a brewpub license to sell beer, ale, and malt liquor to certain wholesalers, distributors, and qualified persons outside the state.
Relating to allowing the holder of a brewpub license to sell beer, ale, and malt liquor to certain wholesalers, distributors, and qualified persons outside the state.