HB2556 - 452R - House Bill Summary

House of Representatives

HB 2556

sampling; alcohol; off-sale retailer

Sponsors: Representatives Cheuvront, Weason: Maiorana, May, et al

DPA	Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
DPA	Caucus and COW
DPA	Third Read
X	As Passed the House

HB 2556 allows retail liquor stores to offer samples of spirituous liquor, wine and beer.

History

Current law allows businesses with on-sale licenses to provide sampling of spirituous liquor, wine and beer while under the supervision of the sponsoring producer or wholesaler. Sampling is limited to twelve ounces of beer/cooler products, six ounces of wine, or two ounces of distilled spirits per person, per brand.

There is no statutory authorization for businesses with off-sale licenses to provide sampling on the premises to customers. By definition, an off-sale retailer is any person selling spirituous liquor in an established retail liquor store, or a retail store selling other commodities. The spirituous liquor is sold only in the original unbroken package, to be consumed off the premises [A.R.S 4-101].

HB 2556 allows off-sale retailers to provide on-premise samples to customers as outlined.

Provisions

· Authorizes off-sale Class 9 liquor stores to provide samples of spirituous liquor, beer or wine to customers on the premises. The bill requires supervision by the producer or wholesaler and only at one location at a time within a 10-mile radius.

· Limits the total per-person samples to one-half ounce of distilled spirits, one and one-half ounce of wine, or three ounces of beer.

· Requires all sampling to be conducted in a designated roped-off area.

· Allows only one producer or wholesaler on the premises at a time, and requires complete removal of the samples at the end of the sampling period.

· Establishes parameters for underage persons.

· Requires those conducting the sampling to complete a training program approved by the Liquor Department.

· Prescribes the limitations with respect to gifts and benefits.

· Authorizes the program until December 31, 2008.

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· 45th Legislature