HCS HB 913 -- LIQUOR CONTROL

SPONSOR:  Schneider (Cooper, 120)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government by a vote of 10 to 1.

This substitute changes the laws regarding liquor control.  In
its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Updates state merchandising regulations to current trade
practices so that they mirror federal regulations, addresses
nonintoxicating beverages in the context of merchandising
practices, and establishes charges for late liquor license
renewals;

(2)  Removes the expiration date of January 1, 2007, for
provisions allowing certain resorts licensed to sell intoxicating
liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises in
Camden, Miller, and Morgan counties to remain open during the
week until 3:00 a.m.;

(3)  Authorizes certain licensed wine manufacturers who allow
consumption of wine on their premises to open on Sundays at 9:00
a.m. instead of 11:00 a.m.;

(4)  Allows wineries, distillers, manufacturers, wholesalers, or
brewers to provide samples for customer tasting purposes off of a
retail licensed premises if no sales transactions take place.
For this purpose, "sales transactions" means an actual, immediate
exchange of money for immediate delivery of goods at the tasting
site.  Solicitations for later sales via forms or promotional
materials are allowed.  Wineries, distillers, manufacturers,
wholesalers, or brewers may provide samples for customer tasting
purposes on any temporary licensed retail premises or tax exempt
organization's licensed premises; and

(5)   Allows a festival district promotional association to
obtain a license to sell intoxicating liquor and nonintoxicating
beer for consumption at the businesses and common areas within
the festival district.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Effect on General Revenue Fund of an
income of $56,838 in FY 2008, an income of $86,171 in FY 2009,
and a cost of $4,874 in FY 2010.  No impact on Other State Funds
in FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill represents many months
of discussions among the interested parties.  Current regulations
over-regulate promotional merchandise.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Cooper (120);
Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association; and Anheuser-Busch,
Incorporated.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that the trade
practice regulations contained in the bill are the consensus of
ad hoc committees that have met and discussed these issues over
time.  The charges established for late license renewals will
eliminate the need for extra documentation and will streamline
the process for the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

Testifying on the bill was Division of Alcohol and Tobacco
Control, Department of Public Safety.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am