The penalty for a retailer's purchasing or possessing of alcohol beverages from a source other than a wholesaler and credit transactions between retailers and wholesalers

What it would have done

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

This bill modifies the applicable penalty under certain circumstances when an an alcohol beverage retailer purchases alcohol beverages from a source other than a wholesaler in violation of current law. The bill also eliminates restrictions on the maximum period of credit that a wholesaler may extend to a retailer in connection with the purchase of alcohol beverages.

Retailer purchases of alcohol beverages from non-wholesaler Under current law, alcohol beverages are generally distributed to consumers under a three-tier distribution system: the producer sells to a wholesaler; the wholesaler sells to a retailer; and the retailer sells to a consumer. With specific exceptions, no person may sell outside the three-tier system and no person may sell alcohol beverages to a consumer unless the seller possesses a license or permit authorizing the sale. A Class “B" license authorizes the retail sale of fermented malt beverages (beer) for consumption on or off the premises. A “Class B" license authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor, which includes wine and distilled spirits, for consumption on the licensed premises and, subject to restrictions, off the licensed premises. Class “B” and “Class B” licenses are generally issued together for establishments such as restaurants, bars, and taverns. Class “A” and “Class A” licenses authorize the retail sale of, respectively, beer and intoxicating liquor in original packages for consumption off the licensed premises. Class “A” and “Class A” licenses are often issued together for establishments such as grocery stores, liquor stores, and convenience stores. With exceptions for certain sales of beer by brewers and brewpubs, a retail licensee may not purchase alcohol beverages from, or possess alcohol beverages purchased from, any person other than a wholesaler. If a retail licensee purchases or possesses beer in violation of this prohibition, the penalty that may be imposed is a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than nine months or both. If a retail licensee purchases or possesses intoxicating liquor in violation of this prohibition, the penalty that may be imposed (or must be imposed if item 3., below, applies) is one of the following:

Who's behind it

6 representatives are its authors⁠. All 6 are Republicans.

1 more lawmaker signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories