HB 6854 — AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR REGULATION.

Subsection (a) of section 30-16c of the general statutes is repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober sHB68541, /2025): File No.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 1, 2025):

Any alcoholicliquor deliveredbydelivered by apermittee under thissectionshall comply with all applicable limits of section 30-16, as amended by this act, allowing the permittee to sell at retail, from the permittee's premises, sealed bottles or other sealed containers of alcoholic liquor manufactured by the permittee on the premises for off-premises consumption.

(b) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, an out-of-state shipper'sPublic permitAct forNo. alcoholic liquor other than beer shall allow the sale and delivery or shipment of wine manufactured by the permittee on the permitted premises directly to a consumer in this state.

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6854 shipper's permit for alcoholic liquor other than beer shall allow the sale and delivery or shipment of wine manufactured by the permittee on the permitted premises directly to a consumer in this state.

(3) not ship more than five gallons of wine in any two-month period to any person in this state and not ship any wine until such permittee is registered, with respect to the permittee's sales of wine to consumers in this state, sHB6854for /purposes Fileof No.the taxes imposed under chapters 219 and 220, with the Department of Revenue Services;

983(4) sHB6854pay, Fileto No.the Department of Revenue Services, all sales taxes and alcoholic beverage taxes due under chapters and 220 on sales of wine to consumers in this state, and file, with said department, all sales tax returns and alcoholic beverage tax returns relating to such sales, with the amount of such taxes to be calculated as if the sale were in this state at the location where delivery is made;

983 for purposes of the taxes imposed under chapters 219 and 220, with the Department of Revenue Services;

(4) pay, to the Department of Revenue Services, all sales taxes and alcoholic beverage taxes due under chapters 219 and 220 on sales of wine to consumers in this state, and file, with said department, all sales tax returns and alcoholic beverage tax returns relating to such sales, with the amount of such taxes to be calculated as if the sale were in this state at the location where delivery is made;

(8) hold an in-state [transporter's] transporter permit [pursuant to] under section 30-19f, as amended by this act, or make any such shipment through the use of a person who holds such an in-state [transporter's]Public transporterAct permit;No.

and25-51 (9)11 execute a written consent to the jurisdiction of this39 state,Substitute itsHouse agenciesBill andNo. instrumentalities and the courts of this state concerning the enforcement of this section and any relatedlaws,rules,orregulations,including, butnotlimitedto,taxlaws, rules or regulations.

6854 [transporter's] transporter permit;

and (9) execute a written consent to the jurisdiction of this state, its agencies and instrumentalities and the courts of this state concerning the enforcement of this section and any relatedlaws,rules,orregulations,including, butnotlimited to,taxlaws, rules or regulations.

Subsection (b) of section 30-18a of the general statutes is repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuinlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober thereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2025):

"CONTAINS ALCOHOL— SIGNATURE OF A PERSON AGE 21 OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR sHB6854DELIVERY";(2)obtain /thesignatureofapersonagetwenty-oneorolder Fileattheaddresspriortodelivery,afterrequiringthesignertodemonstrate No.that he or she is age twenty-one or older by providing a valid motor vehicle operator's license or a valid identity card described in section 1- 1h;

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 DELIVERY";(2)obtain thesignatureofapersonagetwenty-oneorolder attheaddresspriortodelivery,afterrequiringthesignertodemonstrate that he or she is age twenty-one or older by providing a valid motor vehicle operator's license or a valid identity card described in section 1- 1h;

(5) report to the Department of Consumer Protection a separate andcompleterecordofallsalesandshipmentstoconsumersinthestate,Public onAct aNo. ledger sheet or similar form which readily presents a chronological account of such permittee's dealings with each such consumer;

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6854 andcompleterecordofallsalesandshipmentstoconsumersinthestate, on a ledger sheet or similar form which readily presents a chronological account of such permittee's dealings with each such consumer;

sHB6854(a) /(1) FileAn No.annual in-state [transporter's] transporter permit for alcoholic liquor shall allow the commercial transportation of any alcoholic liquor and, with the approval of the Department of Consumer Protection, the provision or sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption in a boat engaged in the transportation of passengers for hire or a motor vehicle in livery service, as permitted by law.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 (a) (1) An annual in-state [transporter's] transporter permit for alcoholic liquor shall allow the commercial transportation of any alcoholic liquor and, with the approval of the Department of Consumer Protection, the provision or sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption in a boat engaged in the transportation of passengers for hire or a motor vehicle in livery service, as permitted by law.

The [annual] fee for an annual in- statePublic [transporter's]Act transporterNo. liquor permit shall be one thousand two hundred fifty dollars for the first boat or vehicle and an additional annual fee of two hundred dollars for each additional boat or vehicle.

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6854 state [transporter's] transporter liquor permit shall be one thousand two hundred fifty dollars for the first boat or vehicle and an additional annual fee of two hundred dollars for each additional boat or vehicle.

During the calendar year in which a daily in-state transporter liquor permit is issued to a permittee pursuant to this subdivision, the permittee may apply to the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, to sHB6854convert /such Filedaily No.in-state transporter liquor permit to an annual in- state transporter liquorpermit.The effective date ofsuchannualin-state transporter liquor permit shall be the effective date of the first daily in- state transporter liquor permit that was issued to such applicant during such calendar year.

983The sHB6854fee Filefor such annual in-state transporter liquor permit shall be the fee established in subdivision (1) of this subsection lessthetotalfeessuchapplicant paidfor daily in-state transporter liquor permits during such calendar year, except no rebate shall be issued to such applicant if the total fees such applicant paid for daily in-state transporter liquor permits during such calendar year exceeds the fee Public Act No.

98325-51 convert14 such daily in-state transporter liquor permit to an annual in- state transporter liquorpermit.The effective date ofsuchannualin-state transporter liquor permit shall be the effective date of the39 firstSubstitute dailyHouse in-Bill stateNo. transporter liquor permit that was issued to such applicant during such calendar year.

The6854 fee for such annual in-state transporter liquor permit shall be the fee established in subdivision (1) of this subsection lessthetotalfeessuchapplicant paidfor daily in-state transporter liquor permits during such calendar year, except no rebate shall be issued to such applicant if the total fees such applicant paid for daily in-state transporter liquor permits during such calendar year exceeds the fee established in subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(a) For the purposes of this section, "grocery store" (1) means any store that (A) is commonly known as a delicatessen, food store, grocery store or supermarket, and (B) [is primarily engaged in the retail sale of] derives more than fifty per cent of such store's retail sales from any combination of dairy products, eggs and poultry, fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, bakery products, various canned goods and dry goods such as coffee, flour, spices, sugar and tea, whether packaged or in bulk, [regardless of whether] except no such store [sells] shall be required to sell fresh fruits and vegetables or [fresh, prepared or smoked fish] sHB6854poultry, /meat File[and No.poultry] or seafood, and (2) does not include any store that is primarily engaged in the retail sale of one category of food items such as bakery products, [candy, nuts and] candies, confectioneries, dairy products, eggs, [and poultry,] fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry or seafood.

983(b) sHB6854(1) FileA package store permit shall allow the retail sale of alcoholic liquor in sealed bottles or containers not to be consumed on the permit Public Act No.

98325-51 poultry,15 meat [and poultry] or seafood, and (2) does not include any store that is primarily engaged in the retail sale of one39 categorySubstitute ofHouse foodBill itemsNo. such as bakery products, [candy, nuts and] candies, confectioneries, dairy products, eggs, [and poultry,] fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry or seafood.

(b)6854 (1) A package store permit shall allow the retail sale of alcoholic liquor in sealed bottles or containers not to be consumed on the permit premises.

(2) No store operating under a package store permit shall sell any commodity other than alcoholic liquor except, notwithstanding any other provision of law, such store may sell (A) cigarettes and cigars, (B) publications, (C) bar utensils, including, but not limited to, corkscrews, beverage strainers, stirrers or other similar items used to consume, or related to the consumption of, alcoholic liquor, (D) gift packages of alcoholic liquor shipped into the state by a manufacturer or out-of-state shipper,whichgiftpackagesmayincludenonalcoholicitems,otherthan food or tobacco products, if the dollar value of the nonalcoholic items in such gift package does not exceed the dollar value of the alcoholic items sHB6854in /such Filegift package, (E) complementary fresh fruits used in the preparation of mixed alcoholic beverages, (F) cheese, crackers or both, (G) olives, (H) nonalcoholic beverages, (I) concentrates used in the preparation of mixed alcoholic beverages, (J) beer and wine-making kits and products related to such kits, (K) ice in any form, (L) articles of Public Act No.

98325-51 sHB685416 Fileof 39 Substitute House Bill No.

9836854 in such gift package, (E) complementary fresh fruits used in the preparation of mixed alcoholic beverages, (F) cheese, crackers or both, (G) olives, (H) nonalcoholic beverages, (I) concentrates used in the preparation of mixed alcoholic beverages, (J) beer and wine-making kits and products related to such kits, (K) ice in any form, (L) articles of clothing imprinted with advertising related to the alcoholic liquor industry, (M) gift baskets or other containers of alcoholic liquor, (N) multiple packages of alcoholic liquors, provided in all such cases the minimum retail selling price for such alcoholic liquor shall apply, (O) lottery tickets authorized by the Department of Consumer Protection, if licensed as an agent to sell such tickets by the department, (P) devices and related accessories designed primarily for accessing and extracting a beverage containing alcohol from prepackaged containers, including, but not limited to, pods, pouches or similar containers, but excluding devices, including, but not limited to, household blenders, that are not designed primarily for such purposes, (Q) alcohol-infused confections containing not more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by weight and which the commissioner has approved for sale under section 21a- 101, (R) gift baskets containing only containers of alcoholic liquor and commodities authorized for sale under subparagraphs (A) to (Q), inclusive,ofthissubdivision,(S)infusedbeverages,asdefinedinsection 21a-425, provided (i) the package store permittee (I) paid to the department the annual fee for an infused beverage endorsement pursuant to this subdivision, and (II) purchased such infused beverages from the holder of a wholesaler permit or a wholesaler permit for beer issued under section 30-17, and (ii) such sales are made in accordance with the provisions of section 21a-425b, and (T) legacy infused beverages, as defined in section 21a-425d, provided all such sales shall be made (i) during the period beginning on July 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2024, and (ii) in accordance with (I) a waiver issued pursuant to section 21a-425d, and (II) the requirements set forth in section 21a-425d.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a package store permit shall allow the participation in any lottery ticket promotionor giveaway sHB6854sponsored /by Filethe No.department.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 sponsored by the department.

The annual fee for an infused beverage endorsement to a package store permit shall be five hundred dollars,Public andAct shallNo. be deposited by the department in the consumer protection enforcement account established in section 21a-8a.

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6854 dollars, and shall be deposited by the department in the consumer protection enforcement account established in section 21a-8a.

(1) "Catering establishment" means any premises that (A) has an adequate, suitable and sanitary kitchen, dining room and facilities to sHB6854Public /Act File No.

98325-51 sHB685418 Fileof 39 Substitute House Bill No.

9836854 provide hot meals in compliance with the regulations of the local department of health, (B) has no sleeping accommodations for the public, (C) is owned or operated by any person who, or business entity that, (i) regularly furnishes for hire on such premises one or more ballrooms, reception rooms, dining rooms, banquet halls or similar places of assemblage for a particular function, occasion or event, or (ii) furnishes provisions and services for consumption or use at any function, occasion or event described in subparagraph (C)(i) of this subdivision, and (D) employs an adequate number of employees on such premises at the time of any function, occasion or event described in subparagraph (C)(i) of this subdivision;

The permittee shall complyPublic withAct theNo. regulations of the local department of health.

(2)25-51 The19 department may waive the requirements of [subdivisions39 (1)Substitute sHB6854House /Bill File No.

9836854 sHB6854comply Filewith No.the regulations of the local department of health.

983(2) The department may waive the requirements of [subdivisions (1) and (2)] subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subdivision (1) of this subsection (A) for not more than sixteen functions, occasions or events of a catering establishment annually, provided such establishment makes written application to the department at least ten days prior to the scheduled date of the function, occasion or event for which a waiver is sought, and (B) permanently for a qualified managed residential community, provided such community offers alcoholic beverages exclusively with daily scheduled meals on the premises of such community.

[(d) "Catering establishment" means any premises that (1) has an adequate, suitable and sanitary kitchen, dining room and facilities to provide hot meals, (2) has no sleeping accommodations for the public, (3) is owned or operated by any person who, or business entity that, (A) regularly furnishes for hire on such premises one or more ballrooms, reception rooms, dining rooms, banquet halls or similar places of assemblage for a particular function, occasion or event, or (B) furnishes provisionsandservicesforconsumptionoruseatanyfunction,occasion orPublic eventAct describedNo. in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, and (4) employsanadequatenumberofemployeesonsuchpremisesatthetime of any function, occasion or event described in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (3) of this subsection.] Sec.

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6854 or event described in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, and (4) employsanadequatenumberofemployeesonsuchpremisesatthetime of any function, occasion or event described in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (3) of this subsection.] Sec.

Section 30-33 of the general statutes is repealed and the sHB6854following /is Filesubstituted No.in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025):

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2025):

The fee for a concession permit shall bePublic asAct follows:No.

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6854 be as follows:

(c) To obtain a temporary auction permit under this section, an sHB6854auctioneer /shall Filesubmit No.an application to the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, at least sixty days before the first day of the auction to be conducted under such permit.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 auctioneer shall submit an application to the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, at least sixty days before the first day of the auction to be conducted under such permit.

The auctioneer shall only accept beer, spirits or wine that (1) was lawfully acquired by (A) an individual collector, or (B) the holder of a package store permit issued under section 30-20, as amended by this act, cancelled restaurant permit issued under section 30-22, cancelled cafe permit issued under section 30-22a or cancelled cafe permit for wine, beerPublic andAct ciderNo. issued under section 30-22g who purchased such beer, spirits or wine from the holder of a wholesaler permit issued under section 30-17, and (2) bears an intact seal from the manufacturer of such beer, spirits or wine.

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6854 beer and cider issued under section 30-22g who purchased such beer, spirits or wine from the holder of a wholesaler permit issued under section 30-17, and (2) bears an intact seal from the manufacturer of such beer, spirits or wine.

The holder of a cancelled restaurant permit issued under section 30-22, cancelled cafe sHB6854permit /issued Fileunder No.section 30-22a or cancelled cafe permit for wine, beer and cider issued under section 30-22g may sell or consign such beer, spirits or wine to the auctioneer.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 permit issued under section 30-22a or cancelled cafe permit for wine, beer and cider issued under section 30-22g may sell or consign such beer, spirits or wine to the auctioneer.

(f) A holder of a temporary auction permit issued under this section may offer free samples of any beer, spirits or wine to be sold at auction for tasting,providedtheholder sendsanoticetothedepartment,atleast thirtydaysbeforethefirstPublic dayofsuchauctionandinaformandmannerAct prescribedNo. by the department, disclosing that the holder intends to offer such free samples for tasting.

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6854 thirtydaysbeforethefirst dayofsuchauctionandinaformandmanner prescribed by the department, disclosing that the holder intends to offer such free samples for tasting.

(g) A temporary auction permit issued under this section shall allow sHB6854for /the Filedelivery No.and shipment of any beer, spirits or wine sold at an auction conducted pursuant to such permit directly to the consumer who purchased such beer, spirits or wine.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 for the delivery and shipment of any beer, spirits or wine sold at an auction conducted pursuant to such permit directly to the consumer who purchased such beer, spirits or wine.

Sec.Public Act No.

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6854 Sec.

Such application shall include a detailed description of the sHB6854type /of Filelive No.entertainment that is to be provided.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 type of live entertainment that is to be provided.

If the applicant does not submit all such documents within the thirty-day period beginning on the date on which the department receives the initial application, or if such documents are not fully executed by the appropriate authorities, such initial application shall be deemed withdrawnPublic andAct invalid.No.

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6854 withdrawn and invalid.

The application fee shall be in the amount of ten dollars for the filing of each application for a sHB6854permit /by Filea No.nonprofit golf tournament permit under section 30-37g or a temporary liquor permit for a noncommercial entity under section 30- 35;

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 permit by a nonprofit golf tournament permit under section 30-37g or a temporary liquor permit for a noncommercial entity under section 30- 35;

(3) [The applicant, immediately after filing an application, shall give notice thereof, with the name and residence of the permittee, the type of permit applied for and the location of the place of business for which such permit is to be issued and the type of live entertainment to be provided, all in a form prescribed by the department, by publishing the same in a newspaper having a circulation in the town in which the place of business to be operated under such permit is to be located, at least once a week for two successive weeks, the first publication to be not more than seven days after the filing date of the application and the last publicationPublic notAct moreNo. than fourteen days after the filing date of the application.] The applicant shall affix, and maintain in a legible condition upon the outer door of the building wherein such place of business is to be located and clearly visible from the public highway, the placard provided by the department, not later than the day following the receipt of the placard by the applicant.

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6854 publication not more than fourteen days after the filing date of the application.] The applicant shall affix, and maintain in a legible condition upon the outer door of the building wherein such place of business is to be located and clearly visible from the public highway, the placard provided by the department, not later than the day following the receipt of the placard by the applicant.

Upon sHB6854receipt /of Fileevidence No.of such compliance, the department may hold a hearing as to the suitability of the proposed location.

983The sHB6854provisions Fileof this subdivision shall not apply to applications for (A) airline permits issued under section 30-28a, (B) temporary liquor permits for noncommercial entities issued under section 30-35, (C) concession permits issued under section 30-33, as amended by this act, (D) military permits issued under section 30-34, (E) cafe permits issued under subsection (h) of section 30-22a, (F) warehouse permits issued under section 30-32, (G) broker's permits issued under section 30-30, (H) out- of-state shipper's permits for alcoholic liquor issued under section 30- 18, as amended by this act, (I) out-of-state shipper's permits for beer issued under section30-19,(J)coliseum permitsissued under section 30- 33a, (K) nonprofit golf tournament permits issued under section 30-37g, Public Act No.

98325-51 receipt27 of evidence39 ofSubstitute suchHouse compliance,Bill theNo. department may hold a hearing as to the suitability of the proposed location.

The6854 provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to applications for (A) airline permits issued under section 30-28a, (B) temporary liquor permits for noncommercial entities issued under section 30-35, (C) concession permits issued under section 30-33, as amended by this act, (D) military permits issued under section 30-34, (E) cafe permits issued under subsection (h) of section 30-22a, (F) warehouse permits issued under section 30-32, (G) broker's permits issued under section 30-30, (H) out- of-state shipper's permits for alcoholic liquor issued under section 30- 18, as amended by this act, (I) out-of-state shipper's permits for beer issued under section30-19,(J)coliseum permitsissued under section 30- 33a, (K) nonprofit golf tournament permits issued under section 30-37g, (L) Connecticut craft cafe permits issued under section 30-22d to permittees who held a manufacturer permit for a brew pub or a manufacturer permit for beer issued under subsection (b) of section 30- 16 and a brew pub before July 1, 2020, (M) off-site farm winery sales and wine, cider and mead tasting permits issued under section 30-16a, (N) out-of-state retailer shipper's permits for wine issued under section 30- 18a, as amended by this act, (O) out-of-state winery shipper's permits for wine issued under section 30-18a, as amended by this act, (P) in-state [transporter's] transporter permits for alcoholic liquor issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act, including, but not limited to, boats operating under such permits, (Q) seasonal outdoor open-air permits issued under section 30-22e, (R) festival permits issued under section 30-37t, (S) temporary auction permits issued under section 30- 37u, as amended by this act, (T) outdoor open-air permits issued under section 30-22f, and (U) renewals of any permit described in subparagraphs (A) to (T), inclusive, of this subdivision, if applicable.

sHB6854(4) /In Fileany No.case in which a permit has been issued to a partnership, if one or more of the partners dies or retires, the remaining partner or partners need not file a new application for the unexpired portion of the current permit, and no additional fee for such unexpired portion shall be required.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 (4) In any case in which a permit has been issued to a partnership, if one or more of the partners dies or retires, the remaining partner or partners need not file a new application for the unexpired portion of the current permit, and no additional fee for such unexpired portion shall be required.

(c) Any ten persons who are at least eighteen years of age, and are residents of the town within which the business for which the permit or renewalPublic thereofAct hasNo. been applied for, is intended to be operated, or, in the case of a manufacturer's or a wholesaler's permit, any ten persons who are at least eighteen years of age and are residents of the state, may file with the department, within three weeks [from] after the last date [of publication of notice made] on which the applicant posts the placard pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section for an initial permit, and in the case of renewal of an existing permit, at least twenty- one days before the renewal date of such permit, a remonstrance containing any objection to the suitability of such applicant or proposed place of business, provided any such issue is not controlled by local zoning.

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6854 renewal thereof has been applied for, is intended to be operated, or, in the case of a manufacturer's or a wholesaler's permit, any ten persons who are at least eighteen years of age and are residents of the state, may file with the department, within three weeks [from] after the last date [of publication of notice made] on which the applicant posts the placard pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section for an initial permit, and in the case of renewal of an existing permit, at least twenty- one days before the renewal date of such permit, a remonstrance containing any objection to the suitability of such applicant or proposed place of business, provided any such issue is not controlled by local zoning.

If no sHB6854new /permit Fileis No.issued within twelve months of the filing date, as defined in subsection (a) of this section, the application may, in the discretion of thedepartment, bedeemedwithdrawn and shallthenbe returnedtothe applicant.

983Six sHB6854months' Fileor seasonal permits may be renewed, provided the renewal application and fee shall be filed at least twenty-one days before the reopening ofthe business, there is no change in the permittee, ownershipor type ofpermit,andthepermittee or backer didnot receive a rebate of the permit fee with respect to the permit issued for the Public Act No.

98325-51 new29 permit is issued within twelve months of the39 filingSubstitute date,House asBill definedNo. in subsection (a) of this section, the application may, in the discretion of thedepartment, bedeemedwithdrawn and shallthenbe returnedtothe applicant.

Six6854 months' or seasonal permits may be renewed, provided the renewal application and fee shall be filed at least twenty-one days before the reopening ofthe business, there is no change in the permittee, ownershipor type ofpermit,andthepermittee or backer didnot receive a rebate of the permit fee with respect to the permit issued for the previous year.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, (A) the department may, in the department's discretion, waive the liquor education program requirement established in said subdivision, provided the department waives such requirement in sHB6854writing, /(B) Fileno No.person who holds an active provisional permit on January 1, 2026, shall be required to complete the liquor education program required under said subdivision in order to obtain a final permit, and (C) no person who holds an active final permit on January 1, 2026, shall be required to complete such liquor education program in order to renew such permit.

983Public sHB6854Act File No.

98325-51 writing,30 (B)of no39 personSubstitute whoHouse holdsBill anNo. active provisional permit on January 1, 2026, shall be required to complete the liquor education program required under said subdivision in order to obtain a final permit, and (C) no person who holds an active final permit on January 1, 2026, shall be required to complete such liquor education program in order to renew such permit.

6854 [(f)] (g) No person who assists an applicant, backer or permittee in submitting an application for a liquor permit shall submit, or cause to be submitted, any false statement in connection with such application, or engage in any conduct which delays or impedes the department in processing such application.

This section shall not apply to any out-of-state shipper's permit issued under section 30-18, as sHB6854amended /by Filethis act, 30-18a, as amended by this act, or 30-19, any cafe permit issued under section 30-22a, any cafe permit for wine, beer and cider issued under section 30-22g, any boat operating under any in-state [transporter's] transporter permit issued under section 30-19f, as Public Act No.

98325-51 sHB685431 Fileof 39 Substitute House Bill No.

9836854 amended by this act, 30-18a, as amended by this act, or 30-19, any cafe permit issued under section 30-22a, any cafe permit for wine, beer and cider issued under section 30-22g, any boat operating under any in-state [transporter's] transporter permit issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act, or any airline permit issued under section 30-28a.

(5) that the applicant or permittee has been convicted of violating any of the liquor laws of this or any other state or the liquor laws of the United States or has been convicted of a felony as such term isdefined insection53a-25,providedany actiontakenisbasedupon (A) the nature of the conviction and its relationship to the applicant or permittee's ability to safely or competently perform the duties associated with such permit, (B) information pertaining to the degree of rehabilitation of the applicant or permittee, and (C) the time elapsed since the conviction or release, or has such a criminal record that the department reasonably believes the applicant or permittee is not a suitable person to hold a permit, provided no refusal shall be rendered sHB6854under /this Filesubdivision except in accordance with the provisions of Public Act No.

98325-51 sHB685432 Fileof 39 Substitute House Bill No.

9836854 under this subdivision except in accordance with the provisions of sections 46a-80 and 46a-81;

(d)(1)AnyindividualwhohasbeenconvictedofanycriminaloffensePublic sHB6854Act / File No.

98325-51 sHB685433 Fileof 39 Substitute House Bill No.

9836854 (d)(1)Anyindividualwhohasbeenconvictedofanycriminaloffense may request, at any time, that the commissioner determine whether such individual's criminal conviction disqualifies the individual from obtaining a permit issued or conferred by the department pursuant to this chapter based on (A) the nature of the conviction and its relationship to the individual's ability to safely or competently perform the duties or responsibilities associated with such permit, (B) information pertaining to the degree of rehabilitation of the individual, and(C)thetimeelapsedsincetheconvictionorreleaseoftheindividual.

(a) No backer or permittee of one permit class shall be a backer or permittee of any other permit class except in the case of airline permits issued under section 30-28a, boats operating under in-state [transporter's]Public transporterAct permitsNo. issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act, and cafe permits issued under subsections (d) and (h) of section 30-22a, except that:

(1)25-51 A34 backer of a39 hotelSubstitute permitHouse issuedBill under section 30-21 or a restaurant permit issued under section 30-22 sHB6854 / File No.

9836854 sHB6854[transporter's] Filetransporter No.permits issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act, and cafe permits issued under subsections (d) and (h) of section 30-22a, except that:

983(1) A backer of a hotel permit issued under section 30-21 or a restaurant permit issued under section 30-22 may be a backer of both such classes;

(11) a holder of an out-of-state shipper's permit for alcoholic liquor issued under section 30-18,Public asAct amendedNo. by this act, or an out-of-state winery shipper's permit for wine issued under section 30-18a, as amended by this act, may be a holder of an in-state [transporter's] transporter permit issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act;

(12)25-51 a35 holder of a39 manufacturerSubstitute permitHouse forBill a farm winery issued under subsection (c) of section 30-16, as amended by this act, or a manufacturer permit for wine, cider and mead sHB6854 / File No.

9836854 sHB685430-18, Fileas No.amended by this act, or an out-of-state winery shipper's permit for wine issued under section 30-18a, as amended by this act, may be a holder of an in-state [transporter's] transporter permit issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act;

983(12) a holder of a manufacturer permit for a farm winery issued under subsection (c) of section 30-16, as amended by this act, or a manufacturer permit for wine, cider and mead issued under subsection (d) of section 30-16, as amended by this act, may be a holder of an in-state [transporter's] transporter permit issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act, an off-site farm winery sales and tasting permit issued under section 30-16a or any combination of such permits;

(14) the holder of arestaurant permit issued under section 30-22, a cafe permit issued under section 30-22a, a cafe permit for wine, beer and cider issued under section 30-22g or an in-state [transporter's] transporter permit issued under section 30-19f, as amended by this act, may be the holder of a seasonal outdoor open-air permit issuedunder section30-22e or anoutdooropen-airan outdooropen-air permit issued under section 30-22f;

and (17) the holder of a restaurant permit issued under section 30-22 may be a holder of a Connecticut craft cafe permit issued under section 30-22d, provided the permit premises are located atPublic twoAct differentNo. addresses.

25-51 36 of 39 Substitute House Bill No.

6854 at two different addresses.

Section 30-87 of the general statutes is repealed and the sHB6854following /is Filesubstituted No.in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a) The sale, dispensing, consumption or presence in glasses or other receptacles suitable to allow for the consumption of alcoholic liquor by an individual in places operating under hotel permits issued under section 30-21, restaurant permits issued under section 30-22, cafe permitsPublic issuedAct under section 30-22a, cafe permits for wine, beer and cider issued under section 30-22g, Connecticut craft cafe permits issued under section 30-22d, club permits issued under section 30-22aa, restaurant permits for catering establishments or qualified managed residential communities issued under section 30-22b, as amended by this act, coliseum permits issued under section 30-33a, temporary liquor permits for noncommercial entities issued under section 30-35, nonprofit public museum permits issued under section 30-37a, manufacturer permits for beer, a farm winery or wine, cider and mead issued under subsection (b), (c) or (d), respectively, of section 30-16, as sHB6854 / File No.

98325-51 sHB685437 Fileof 39 Substitute House Bill No.

9836854 permits issued under section 30-22a, cafe permits for wine, beer and cider issued under section 30-22g, Connecticut craft cafe permits issued under section 30-22d, club permits issued under section 30-22aa, restaurant permits for catering establishments or qualified managed residential communities issued under section 30-22b, as amended by this act, coliseum permits issued under section 30-33a, temporary liquor permits for noncommercial entities issued under section 30-35, nonprofit public museum permits issued under section 30-37a, manufacturer permits for beer, a farm winery or wine, cider and mead issued under subsection (b), (c) or (d), respectively, of section 30-16, as amended by this act, casino permits issued under section 30-37k and caterer liquor permits issued under section 30-37j shall be unlawful on:

(1) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between the hoursofoneo'clock a.m.and nineo'clock a.m.;(2) Saturday betweenthe hours of two o'clock a.m.

and nineo'clock a.m.;(2) Saturday between the hours of two o'clock a.m.

(a) Any covenant, agreement or understanding in, in connection with or collateral to any contract or agreement made or entered into with any caterer or catering establishment, as defined in subsection [(d)] (a) of section 30-22b, as amended by this act, that exempts such caterer or catering establishment from liability for damages for bodily injury to personsPublic orAct damageNo. to property caused by or resulting from the negligence of the caterer or catering establishment, the agents, servants or employees of such caterer or catering establishment or the patrons at the event to which such contract or agreement pertains is against public policy and void.

25-51 38 of 39 Substitute House Bill No.

6854 persons or damage to property caused by or resulting from the negligence of the caterer or catering establishment, the agents, servants or employees of such caterer or catering establishment or the patrons at the event to which such contract or agreement pertains is against public policy and void.

(Effective July 1, 2025) Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 545 of the general statutes, during the period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the holder of a cafe permit issued under subsection (c) of section 30-22a of the general statutes or a restaurant permit for wine and beer issued under subsection (b) of section 30-22 of the general statutes may apply to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, to sHB6854convert /such Filecafe No.permit or restaurant permit to a restaurant permit under subsection (a) of section 30-22 of the general statutes.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 convert such cafe permit or restaurant permit to a restaurant permit under subsection (a) of section 30-22 of the general statutes.

(Effective October 1, 2025) ThisGovernor's actAction: shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:

SectionApproved 1June October10, 1, 2025 30-1(8)Public Sec.Act No.

225-51 October39 1,of 202539 30-14(a) and (b) Sec.

3 October 1, 2025 30-16(c) and (d) Sec.

4 October 1, 2025 30-16b(d) Sec.

5 October 1, 2025 30-16c(a) Sec.

6 October 1, 2025 30-18(b) Sec.

7 October 1, 2025 30-18a(b) Sec.

8 October 1, 2025 30-19f(a) and (b) Sec.

9 October 1, 2025 30-20 Sec.

10 October 1, 2025 30-22b Sec.

11 October 1, 2025 30-33 Sec.

12 October 1, 2025 30-37u(c) to (g) Sec.

13 October 1, 2025 30-39 Sec.

14 October 1, 2025 30-45 Sec.

15 October 1, 2025 30-47 Sec.

16 October 1, 2025 30-48(a) Sec.

17 from passage 30-87 Sec.

18 October 1, 2025 30-91(a) Sec.

19 October 1, 2025 52-572w(a) Sec.

20 July 1, 2025 New section Sec.

21 October 1, 2025 Repealer section sHB6854 / File No.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.

In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.

Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.

OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:

Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 26 $ FY 27 $ Resources of the General Fund GF - Revenue See Below See Below Impact Note:

GF=General Fund Municipal Impact:

None Explanation The bill makes various changes to the state's liquor control statutes resulting in the revenue impact described below.

Section 8 creates a daily in-state transporter liquor permit for a fee of $150 for every vehicle or boat used in the state, resulting in a potential revenue loss to the state to the extent current annual in-state transporter licenses switchto thedaily in-state transporter permit whichhasalower fee.

In FY 24 there were 115 application and renewal requests for an annual in-state transporter liquor permit.

Section 10 allowsa qualifiedmanaged residentialcommunity to hold a caterer permit which allows alcohol to be served resulting in a potential revenue gain to the state to the extent additional permits are applied for.

The caterer permit has an annual fee of $1,450.

Section 12 increases the period of time a temporary auction permit is valid and increases the number of times DCP may issue the permit The permit is created as an alternative to the annual in-state transporter permit which has an annual fee of $1,250 for the first boat or vehicle and $200 for each additional boat or vehicle.

sHB6854 / File No.

983 sHB6854 File No.

983 resulting in a potential revenue gain to the state to the extent additional permits are requested.

The permit has a fee of $175 per day plus a $100 application fee.

In FY 24 there were five temporary auction permit applications.

Section 15 allows DCP to impose a fine of up to $1,000 for certain THC-infused beverage violations resulting in a potential revenue gain to the state to the extent that violations occur.

House "A" strikes the underlying bill and its associated fiscal impact resulting in the impact described above.

The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to the number of permits requested and the number of violations.

sHB6854 / File No.

983 39 sHB6854 File No.

983 OLR Bill Analysis sHB 6854 (as amended by House "A")* AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR REGULATION.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

SUMMARY § 1 ― CASE BOTTLE QUANTITIES Expands the quantities and numbers of bottles allowed in a case of alcoholic liquor to reflect federal regulations on container size §§ 2-9, 12-14 & 16 ― DAILY IN-STATE TRANSPORTER’S PERMIT Establishes a daily in-state transporter’s permit that allows the permittee to sell and serve alcoholic liquor on certain boats and livery services (e.g., limousines);

allows a daily permittee to convert to an annual permit § 9 ― GROCERY STORE BEER PERMIT Updates the qualifications for a grocery store beer permit to specify that (1) the store must derive more than 50% of its retail sales from groceries and (2) stores that primarily sell one particular food item do not qualify for the permit §§ 10, 18 & 19 ― QUALIFIED MANAGED RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES Allows a qualified managed residential community to hold a restaurant caterer permit to allow the community to serve alcohol at the daily scheduled meal on the community’s premises as well as for on-site functions, occasions, or events § 11 ― CONCESSION PERMIT Allows a concession permittee to sell prepackaged canned beverages containing spirits of up to 6% ABV sHB6854 / File No.

983 40 sHB6854 File No.

983 § 12 ― TEMPORARY AUCTION PERMIT Increases (1) how long a temporary auction permit is valid from up to three consecutive days to a total of 12 days in a calendar year and (2) how many times DCP may issue the permit to an auctioneer from 4 to times a calendar year § 13 ― LIQUOR APPLICATIONS Prohibits DCP from reviewing an initial permit application without all the required documentation;

sets procedures for automatic withdrawal of a permit application;

eliminates the general requirement for applications publishing notice in a local newspaper;

requires a liquor education program to be mandatory for certain key individuals before getting a permit § 15 ― THC-INFUSED BEVERAGE PERMIT PENALTIES Allows DCP to impose permit penalties and fine applicants, backers, or permittees for THC-infused beverage violations § 15 ― DCP SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS Allows the DCP commissioner to enter into a settlement agreement instead of proceeding to an administrative hearing;

eliminates a provision allowing DCP to require a permittee’s employees to take an alcohol and server training program instead of facing permit suspension or revocation § 17 ― DCP STING OPERATIONS INVOLVING MINORS Allows DCP to conduct, and DCP and law enforcement agencies to authorize, sting operations involving minors purchasing alcohol § 20 ― CONVERSION TO RESTAURANT PERMIT WITHOUT PLACARDING Allows, for one year, certain cafe and restaurant permittees for wine and beer to convert their permit to a restaurant permit without being required to follow the placarding requirements § 21 ― ELIMINATION OF MUNICIPAL RECORDING REQUIREMENT FOR LIQUOR PERMITS Eliminates the requirement for liquor permits to be filed in duplicate with the applicable town clerk SUMMARY This bill makes various unrelated changes to the Liquor Control Act, including many minor, technical, and conforming changes.

sHB6854 / File No.

983 41 sHB6854 File No.

983 *House Amendment “A” (1) adds the provisions on case bottle quantities, concession permits, temporary auction permits, and converting to a restaurant permit without placarding;

(2) moves up the effective date of the mandatory liquor education program, from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2026;

and (3) makes various minor, technical, and conforming changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

October 1, 2025, unless otherwise stated.

§ 1 ― CASE BOTTLE QUANTITIES Expands the quantities and numbers of bottles allowed in a case of alcoholic liquor to reflect federal regulations on container size Existing law establishes the quantity and number (standards of fill) of bottlesgenerally allowed in a case of alcoholic liquor (other than beer, cocktails, cordials, prepared mixed drinks, and wines).

The bill expands the allowable quantities and numbers of bottles to reflect federal regulations on authorized container sizes (27 C.F.R.

§ 5.203).

The table belowshows theadditionalbottlecase quantitiesallowedunder thebill.

Table:

Allowable Quantity by Bottle Size Under the Bill Quantity Bottle Size 3.75 liters, 3 liters, 2 liters, 1.5 liters, and 945 milliliters (mL) 710 mL, 570 mL, 500 mL, and 475 mL 355 mL, 350 mL, and 331 mL 250 mL and 187 mL §§ 2-9, 12-14 & 16 ― DAILY IN-STATE TRANSPORTER’S PERMIT Establishes a daily in-state transporter’s permit that allows the permittee to sell and serve alcoholic liquor on certain boats and livery services (e.g., limousines);

allows a daily permittee to convert to an annual permit The bill establishes a daily in-state transporter’s permit as an alternative to the annual permit.

Like the annual permit, the daily permittee may commercially transport alcoholic liquor (e.g., beer, wine, and spirits) as well as sell and serve it on certain boats and livery services (e.g., limousines).

The bill allows the daily permittee, with Department of Consumer sHB6854 / File No.

983 42 sHB6854 File No.

983 Protection (DCP) approval, to sell and serve alcoholic liquor for consumption on boats hired to transport passengers and motor vehicles in livery services.

One permit covers all boats and vehicles under common control, direction, management, or ownership.

When applying for DCP approval, on a form and in a manner the commissioner sets, the owner must specifically identify each boat and vehiclewherealcoholsalesorconsumptionwillbeavailable.Thepermit fee is $150 for each boat or vehicle to be used during the calendar day as requested on the application.

Under the bill, the commissioner may issue up to eight permits to any backer in a calendar year.

At any point in the year, the permittee may apply to DCP, as the commissioner requires, to convert to an annual permit.

The annual permit’s effective date is the date of the first daily permit issuance that calendar year.

The annual fee is $1,250 for the first boat or vehicle and another $200 for each additional boat or vehicle, but the applicant can subtract any fees already paid that calendar year, except there is no rebate for fees exceeding this amount.

§ 9 ― GROCERY STORE BEER PERMIT Updates the qualifications for a grocery store beer permit to specify that (1) the store must derive more than 50% of its retail sales from groceries and (2) stores that primarily sell one particular food item do not qualify for the permit The bill updates the qualifications for a grocery store beer permit to specify that the store must derive more than 50% of its retail sales from groceries, rather than just be primarily engaged in retail sale of groceries.

As under existing law, a grocery store does not have to sell any particular type of grocery item.

The bill also specifies (1) that stores that primarily engage in the retail sale of one particular food item or items (e.g., bakery products) do not qualify for a permit and (2) additional examples of different foods that are considered groceries (e.g., dairy products, eggs, and fruit).

§§ 10, 18 & 19 ― QUALIFIED MANAGED RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES sHB6854 / File No.

983 43 sHB6854 File No.

983 Allows a qualified managed residential community to hold a restaurant caterer permit to allow the community to serve alcohol at the daily scheduled meal on the community’s premises as well as for on-site functions, occasions, or events The bill allows a qualified managed residential community to hold a restaurant caterer permit to allow the community to serve alcohol at the daily scheduled meals on its premises.

Under the bill, a qualified managed residential community is generally a facility consisting of private residential units in a managed group living environment that includes housing and services for individuals primarily age 55 and older.

It also (1) has an adequate, suitable, and sanitary kitchen, dining room, and facilities to provide hot meals in compliance with the local department of health’s regulations;

(2) complies with all other local health department regulations;

(3) provides daily meals in a dining room;

and (4) exclusively serves meals to residents and their guests as well as community employees.

The bill allows a qualified managed residential community to serve alcoholic liquor on the community’s premises at (1) a function, occasion, or event and (2) the daily scheduled meals.

It requires the community to only sell alcohol (1) to invited individuals and (2) during the specific mealtimes scheduled on the premises.

But DCP may waive these requirements permanently if alcohol is only served with daily scheduled meals on-site.

Under the bill, the permit is subject to the hours of sale established under the allowable alcohol times and hours law for on-premises alcohol consumption.

By law, with minor exceptions, these allowable hours are between 9:00 a.m.

and 1:00 a.m.

the next morning on Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m.

and 2:00 a.m.

the next morning for Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m.

and 1:00 a.m.

the next morning on Sunday.

The bill sets a $1,450 fee for the annual permit.

§ 11 ― CONCESSION PERMIT Allows a concession permittee to sell prepackaged canned beverages containing spirits of up to 6% ABV sHB6854 / File No.

983 44 sHB6854 File No.

983 The bill allows a concession permittee to sell canned beverages containing spirits of up to 6% alcohol by volume (ABV).

The spirit must be combined with other nonalcoholic ingredients that the manufacturers premix and package in original containers, and the permittee must not mix or adulterate the product.

§ 12 ― TEMPORARY AUCTION PERMIT Increases (1) how long a temporary auction permit is valid from up to three consecutive days to a total of 12 days in a calendar year and (2) how many times DCP may issue the permit to an auctioneer from 4 to 12 times a calendar year The bill increases how long a temporary auction permit is valid from up to three consecutive days to a total of 12 days in a calendar year.

As under existing law, each permit is valid for one auction.

The bill also increases how many times DCP may issue the permit to an auctioneer from 4 to 12 times a calendar year.

By law, an “auctioneer” is anyone who (1) regularly provides professional services by auctioning items for sale and (2) does not hold an alcoholic liquor permit.

An “individual collector” is anyone who is not a backer;

permittee;

or a backer’s director, officer, or employee.

§ 13 ― LIQUOR APPLICATIONS Prohibits DCP from reviewing an initial permit application without all the required documentation;

sets procedures for automatic withdrawal of a permit application;

eliminates the general requirement for applications publishing notice in a local newspaper;

requires a liquor education program to be mandatory for certain key individuals before getting a permit Initial Application The bill prohibits DCP from reviewing an initial permit application until the applicant has submitted all documents needed to establish that state and local building, fire, zoning, and sales time requirements will be met.

Under the bill, if the applicant does not submit all of these documents within 30 days after DCP receives the initial application, or if the documents are not fully executed by the appropriate authorities, then the application is deemed withdrawn and invalid.

sHB6854 / File No.

983 45 sHB6854 File No.

983 Newspaper Notice The bill eliminates the general requirement that before a permit is granted, applicants must publish local newspaper notices under certain timeframes detailing the permit type, business location, and whether they will offer live entertainment.

It makes a conforming change by eliminating (1) the publication requirement for amending the type of entertainment and (2) a deadline in the remonstrance (i.e.

objection) process that is tied to the newspaper notice (it instead ties the deadline to the date the applicant posts a placard).

By law, applicants generally must place placards visible from the road that include certain information.

Liquor Education Program Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill makes a liquor education program mandatory for certain individuals.

Specifically, to get a new permit, transfer a permit, or substitute permittees, the applicant, backers, members of these backers, and permittees must all complete a liquor education program.

The bill requires DCP to create, offer, and conduct the education program in a form and manner it prescribes.

The program must address (1) preventing alcohol sales to minors (under age 21) and overservice, (2) restrictions on alcoholic beverage promotions, and (3) any other topics DCP chooses.

However, DCP may waive these requirements in writing.

Additionally,thosewithaprovisionalorfinal permitonJanuary1,2026, do not need to complete the program to receive a final or renewal permit, respectively.

§ 15 ― THC-INFUSED BEVERAGE PERMIT PENALTIES Allows DCP to impose permit penalties and fine applicants, backers, or permittees for THC-infused beverage violations The bill allows DCP to suspend, revoke, or refuse to grant or renew a permit for selling alcoholic liquor, or impose a fine of up to $1,000 per violation, if it has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant, sHB6854 / File No.

983 46 sHB6854 File No.

983 applicant’s backer, backer, or permittee has violated the laws or regulations on THC-infused beverages.

§ 15 ― DCP SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS Allows the DCP commissioner to enter into a settlement agreement instead of proceeding to an administrative hearing;

eliminates a provision allowing DCP to require a permittee’s employees to take an alcohol and server training program instead of facing permit suspension or revocation The bill allows the DCP commissioner to enter into a settlement agreement or a comparable negotiated settlement for Liquor Control Act violations instead of proceeding to an administrative hearing.

The agreement may have provisions imposing settlement fees, probation, permit suspension or conditions, training requirements, or additional security measures.

The bill also eliminates a provision that allows the commissioner to require a permittee to have employees participate in an alcohol and server training program instead of suspending or revoking a permit.

§ 17 ― DCP STING OPERATIONS INVOLVING MINORS Allows DCP to conduct, and DCP and law enforcement agencies to authorize, sting operations involving minors purchasing alcohol Under current law, law enforcement agencies may conduct anofficial investigation or enforcement activity that includes inducing a minor to obtain alcohol from an alcoholic liquor permittee (i.e.

a sting operation).

The bill expands this authority to include DCP and allows both DCP and law enforcement agencies to authorize these operations.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Upon passage § 20 ― CONVERSION TO RESTAURANT PERMIT WITHOUT PLACARDING Allows, for one year, certain cafe and restaurant permittees for wine and beer to convert their permit to a restaurant permit without being required to follow the placarding requirements Regardless of any provision in the Liquor Control Act, the bill allows, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, certain cafe permittees or restaurant permittees for wine and beer to apply to DCP to convert their permit to sHB6854 / File No.

983 47 sHB6854 File No.

983 a restaurant permit without needing to follow the placarding requirements (e.g., post certain information visible from the road).

The DCP commissioner must prescribe how the permittees apply for the conversion.

The cafe permits that qualify for the conversion exemption are those that have a suitable space in a permanent building, vessel, or structure that is held out to the public as a place where alcoholic liquor and food is served at retail for on-premises consumption.

They cannot have public sleeping accommodations and do not need to serve hot meals or have a kitchen or dining room, but must employ an adequate number of employees.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2025 § 21 ― ELIMINATION OF MUNICIPAL RECORDING REQUIREMENT FOR LIQUOR PERMITS Eliminates the requirement for liquor permits to be filed in duplicate with the applicable town clerk The bill eliminates the requirement that before a new or renewed liquor permit is active, it be filed in duplicate with the applicable town clerk, which is generally where the business is located.

COMMITTEE ACTION General Law Committee Joint Favorable Substitute Yea 22 Nay 0 (03/24/2025) sHB6854 / File No.

983 48