Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB444

Introduced
1/31/24  
Refer
2/1/24  
Introduced
1/31/24  
Report Pass
2/26/24  
Refer
2/1/24  

Caption

Alcoholic Beverages; retail dealers to offer discounts to consumers through premiums, coupons, or rebates; authorize

Impact

If enacted, SB444 would modify existing state laws regarding the sale and marketing of alcoholic beverages. By permitting retail dealers to discount their products, the legislation may stimulate sales for these businesses, potentially increasing consumer engagement and sales volume. Additionally, it introduces a new model for alcohol pricing which could enhance consumer choice and competition within the marketplace. However, it also establishes firm guidelines to prevent conflicts of interest between dealers and manufacturers, protecting the integrity of alcohol sales.

Summary

SB444 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Title 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The bill seeks to authorize retail dealers to offer discounts to consumers on alcoholic beverages intended for off-premises consumption. This includes allowances for discounts offered through premiums, coupons, or rebates, effectively providing more competitive pricing options for consumers purchasing alcohol. The bill outlines specific conditions under which these discounts can be offered, ensuring that they are uniformly applied across all licensed premises owned by the same retail dealer and are not tied to any particular brand of alcohol.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB444 appears to lean positive, with supporters highlighting the potential economic benefits for both consumers and retailers. Many industry stakeholders advocate for the bill, emphasizing that allowing discounts could revitalize sales in a competitive alcohol market. However, there is also a cautious perspective regarding the implications of such discounts on pricing integrity and the potential effects on small businesses that may struggle to compete with larger retail operations offering significant discounts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB444 include concerns about the impact of discounted pricing on market dynamics and the potential for abuse by larger retailers who may dominate the marketplace through aggressive discounting strategies. Critics may voice apprehensions that the bill could lead to price wars, ultimately affecting smaller dealers negatively. Furthermore, defining the limits of acceptable discounts and ensuring compliance with the outlined conditions will be crucial for the successful implementation of this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB86

Alcoholic Beverages; retail dealers to offer discounts to consumers through premiums, coupons, or rebates on alcoholic beverages purchased for consumption off the premises; authorize

GA HB843

Alcoholic beverages; Sunday sales for consumption on the premises in locally designated special entertainment districts; provide

GA HB210

Alcoholic beverages; retail dealers; revise provisions

GA SB870

Relating to marketing items provided by manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors of alcoholic beverages to retailers or consumers.

GA HB2084

Relating to marketing items provided by manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors of alcoholic beverages to retailers or consumers.

GA SB800

Alcoholic beverages; retail spirits licensee; discounts; pricing. Emergency.

GA HB1377

Alcoholic beverages; retail spirits licenses; retail beer and wine licenses; discounts; Veterans; effective date.

GA SB385

Alcoholic beverages; authorizing certain samples of beer, wine and spirits in retail spirit licensee premises. Effective date.

GA HB126

Alcoholic beverages; purchased from designated retail dealers by small businesses; provide for sale or distribution

GA SB973

Alcoholic beverages: annual license fees: surcharge: distilled spirits manufacturers: free or discounted rides.

Similar Bills

TX HB3028

Relating to regulation of certain conduct by discount health care program operators, or concerning discount health care programs, that relates to prescription drugs or prescription drug benefits; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.

TX SB1142

Relating to regulation of discount drug card program operators; authorizing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; expanding a registration requirement.

CA AB2128

State parks: California Admission Day: discounted admission.

TX SB2339

Relating to the regulation of discount health care programs by the Texas Department of Insurance; providing penalties.

TX HB4341

Relating to the regulation of discount health care programs by the Texas Department of Insurance; providing penalties.

CA AB1312

Hospital pricing.

KS SB289

Requiring economic development electric rate discounts offered by public utilities to cover the incremental and variable costs to serve customers that receive such a discount.

CA AB1722

Alcoholic beverage licensees: restrictions: coupons.