Connecticut's New Liquor Laws Are Now in Effect

Editor’s note: We published this story earlier in the week, but here it is again in case you missed it.

By RICH SCINTO (Patch Staff)

Connecticut alcohol consumers will have an extra hour each day to purchase alcohol.

The new law went into effect July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.

Connecticut’s state legislature passed a number of measures aimed at changing alcohol laws during this year’s session.

The passed budget included a section that allows off-premises (ie. package store) locations to sell alcohol until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Another major law change will affect drivers charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Drivers who have their licenses suspended by the DMV will be required to install an ignition interlock device to get their licenses back.

The device requires an operator to blow a breath sample into a tube. The vehicle won’t start if the test comes back with a blood alcohol content of .025 or above. It will also require giving random samples while operating a motor vehicle.

See related story: Connecticut Residents Drink the 4th Most Alcohol in Nation: Report

Growler enthusiasts can also rejoice as restaurants, cafes and taverns will now be able to sell sealed containers of draught beer for off-premise consumption. The purchase is limited to four liters of beer per day for any individual.

Previously, restaurants like Southport Brewing Co. could only sell their own brand of beer, according to the Norwalk Hour. Many places that already sell growlers have special fill stations that keep the beer carbonated for a longer period of time.

Gov. Dannel Malloy recently signed a bill that bans the purchase, possession and sale of powdered alcohol, also known as palcohol. There is a $100 fine for the first offense for purchasing or possessing the substance. Sale is subject to a $250 fine.

In March, the federal government approved the sale of powdered alcohol, which comes in small packets and can be added to water to make an alcoholic drink. Many states, including Vermont, South Carolina, Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Utah, and Virginia, have already banned the powdered alcohol, the Hartford Courant has reported.

This substance has become popular with teenagers in other states and there are several concerns about it. One is that since it comes in small packets, it can easily be brought into schools, concerts, or other places without being seen. Another concern is that some people may snort the powder, causing an array of health issues.

Another law change will allow a single person to possess four liquor licenses, up from three. That will be expanded to five in July 2016.

Package store owners lobbied hard against dropping the state’s minimum pricing rule, which is often seen as a boon for smaller stores, according to CT News Junkie.

Image via Ewan Munro/Flickr Commons