Vermont Senate Bill S0086

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

An act relating to replacing the term "cider" with "hard cider" within Title 7

Impact

The legislative impact of Bill S0086 could affect several aspects of state law related to alcohol regulations. By defining 'hard cider' explicitly and replacing 'cider' in legal texts, the bill clarifies tax obligations for producers and retailers, ensuring that the taxation system aligns with the new definition. The bill mandates a specific tax rate for hard ciders based on their alcohol content, which may influence pricing and potentially the market for these beverages -- both production and sales might be affected depending on how local businesses adapt to these definitions and tax implications.

Summary

Bill S0086 aims to amend the term 'cider' to 'hard cider' in Title 7 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, providing a clearer definition and regulations surrounding the alcoholic beverage. The bill delineates that hard cider must be made predominantly from fermented apple or pear sugars and specifies the alcohol content to be between one and sixteen percent by volume. This change is intended to standardize the terminology used within the law, which can help differentiate hard cider from non-alcoholic cider products, thereby aiding in better regulation and consumer understanding.

Contention

Discussion around S0086 may raise points of contention regarding the implications of defining and differentiating hard cider from other forms of cider. Critics might concern themselves with the potential limitations this bill places on how producers can label and market their products. Furthermore, there may be debates on the degree to which regulations should entrench definitions in law, versus allowing the industry to self-regulate and evolve terminology. The tax implications can also stir discussions on how these rates might affect small producers versus larger commercial entities in the alcoholic beverage market.