Ferraro, Staneski Talk Liquor Laws with Local Business Owners

From the Connecticut General Assembly: State Representative Charles Ferraro (R-117) and Pam Staneski (R-119) talked to local liquor retailers on Tuesday, May 9 about current legislation before the General Assembly related to liquor laws. The Training for Retailers Forum was sponsored by the Department of Consumer Protection, the Milford Police Department and the Milford Prevention Council.

Rep. Ferraro said, “I want to thank all the sponsors of this extremely important event, which helps educate local business owners who sell liquor about tactics used to prevent underage drinking and over-serving at their establishments. Every year we have legislation before us pertaining to selling alcohol, and it is important that we hear from our local business owners about how legislation will impact their businesses.”

“I always learn more by listening to those in the industry that actually have to apply the laws daily we pass in the General Assembly. Ultimately, our goal is to not be an impediment to business but allow these small business owners to become successful,” said Rep. Staneski, co-founder of the Milford Prevention Council. “We also want to make absolutely sure the state discourages any underage drinking and protects minors.”

Reps. Ferraro and Staneski provided a summary of the following liquor-related bills being discussed this session:

H.B. 5730, An Act Concerning Certain Alcoholic Beverage Machines, aims to allow the use of self-serve alcoholic liquor machines on certain permit premises. The House of Representatives voted 129-19 in favor of a bill and now awaits action in the Senate.

H.B. 5925, An Act Concerning The Inspection Of Out-Of-State Shipments Of Alcoholic Liquor And Penalties For Intentional Violations Of The Alcoholic Liquor Minimum Bottle Law, seeks to increase the penalties for intentional violation of minimum bottle provisions. The bill currently awaits action by the General Assembly.

H.B. 7116, An Act Concerning The Sale Of Private Label Alcoholic Liquor, looks to prevent alcoholic liquor manufacturers and wholesalers from engaging in unfair practices regarding the sale of private label alcoholic liquor. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding.

All legislation not passed by the House and Senate before midnight on June 7th will not become law this session. The Milford lawmakers urged their local business owners to contact them with questions, concerns, or ideas about legislation by emailing Charles.Ferraro@cga.ct.gov or Pam.Staneski@housegop.ct.gov or by calling 860-240-8700.

Image via the Connecticut General Assembly