OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5666 (as amended by House “A”)*

AN ACT MODIFYING BEER PACKAGING FOR CONSUMPTION ON AND OFF PREMISES.

SUMMARY:

The law prohibits manufacturers and wholesalers of alcoholic beverages from discriminating in any way in the price discounts they offer their customers on products of the same brand, age, size, and quality. This bill provides that this prohibition must not be construed to prohibit beer manufacturers and wholesalers from changing how they package their products based on whether their customer holds a permit to sell for off-premises or on-premises consumption.

The law requires manufacturers and wholesalers of all types of alcoholic beverages to post their bottle, can, case, keg, barrel, or fractional unit prices (e. g. , quarter kegs) for the following month with the Department of Consumer Protection. The price, once posted, is the controlling price for the entire next month. The law also allows beer manufacturers and wholesalers to post additional prices for specified parts of the month and makes them the controlling prices for the specified parts of the month. The bill requires beer wholesalers to provide their price postings for the following month to retailers by the 20^th of the month rather than the 27^th.

*House Amendment “A” adds the provision about beer wholesaler prices and changes the bill's effective date from October 1, 2006.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Related Acts

HB 5183 (File 357), passed earlier this session, repeals the June 30, 2006 sunset date on the law requiring alcoholic beverage price posting and wholesalers to notify retailers of their prices.

HB 5667 (File 359), passed earlier this session, delays the deadline for wholesalers to inform retailers of their prices for the following month from the 12^th of the month to the 27^th.

COMMITTEE ACTION

General Law Committee

Joint Favorable