Spirituous Liquor Manufacturer Sales Rooms & Other Alcohol

Under current law, a licensed manufacturer of spirituous liquors (manufacturer) may conduct tastings of and sell the manufacturer's own spirituous liquors at the manufacturer's licensed premises or at one other approved sales room location. The bill authorizes the manufacturer to also conduct tastings of and sell the manufacturer's spirituous liquors at up to 2 approved other sales room locations.

The bill authorizes a manufacturer to apply for a permit from the state licensing authority to serve and sell alcohol beverages acquired from a licensed wholesaler at the manufacturer's premises or a sales room location. A copy of the permit application must be sent to the local licensing authority for comment, posted for 45 days in a conspicuous place at the location that is the subject of the application, and published in a local newspaper of general circulation.

Before issuing the permit, the state licensing authority shall consider:

• A response from the local licensing authority concerning impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, including traffic, noise, and distance from schools;
• Whether zoning, fire, and other requirements have been met; and
• Public comments, if any.

The state licensing authority shall not issue the permit unless the applicant affirms that they have complied with local zoning restrictions, including requirements for distance from schools.

If the permit application is approved:

• The manufacturer must serve sandwiches and light snacks if selling and serving alcohol beverages acquired from a wholesaler licensed in the state; and
• The proceeds from the sale of alcohol beverages acquired from wholesalers must not account for more than 50% of the gross annual revenue from alcohol beverage sales.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)