Authorized activities of Class A beer retailers and of brewers

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Under current law, with limited exceptions, no person may sell alcohol beverages to a consumer unless the seller possesses a license or permit authorizing the sale. A Class "A" license authorizes the retail sale of fermented malt beverages (beer), in original containers, for consumption off the licensed premises and is generally held by such retailers as grocery stores, liquor stores, and convenience stores. A Class "B" license authorizes the retail sale of beer for consumption on or off the licensed premises and is generally held by such retailers as taverns and restaurants. Current law generally prohibits a brewer, brewpub, or beer wholesaler from furnishing anything of value to a Class "B" beer retailer, but there are many exceptions, including for selling to the retailer equipment and supplies at fair market value. This prohibition does not apply with respect to a Class "A" beer retailer.

This bill authorizes Class "A" beer retailers to sell beer in growlers that are filled and sealed on the retail licensed premises. The bill defines "growler" as a refillable and resealable container exceeding 24 ounces in volume used to package beer for consumption away from the property where sold. The bill also generally prohibits a brewer, brewpub, or beer wholesaler from furnishing anything of value to a Class "A" beer retailer that sells beer in growlers if the thing of value is associated with or related to the sale of beer in growlers. However, there are various exceptions, including for selling to the retailer equipment and supplies at fair market value.

Who's behind it

22 lawmakers are its authors⁠. 15 are Republicans and 7 are Democrats.

6 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.