An Act to Update and Clarify Certain Provisions of State Liquor and Lottery Laws
Sponsored By: Laura Supica (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.
Cap on gifts to alcohol licensees
Beginning January 1, 2026, a licensee or applicant may receive up to $750 total per year in cash, gift cards, or other items from makers, distributors, or related businesses. The bureau cannot set a separate limit on items in use if they were given under the $750 cap. Licensees may not give gifts meant to make a retailer buy only their brand.
Agency stores can host spirits tastings
Beginning June 10, 2025, a qualifying agency liquor store can get a purveyor of spirits license and hold unlimited tastings. The license costs $500 one time. The store must stock at least 1,500 product codes and get at least 50% of sales from liquor. Only staff, a licensed sales rep, or a supplier may pour. No service to anyone under 21 or visibly intoxicated. You must keep event records and reseal opened bottles after the event.
New licenses and sponsorships for venues
Starting June 10, 2025, the state licenses auditorium, stadium, and performing arts venues to sell alcohol through the owner, operator, or the provider. Licensees may sell sealed spirits bottles for club suites if bottles stay in the suite and the suite host signs a promise not to serve anyone under 21. Wholesalers and certificate holders may sign written ads, sponsorship, and co‑branding deals with these venues. Deals must be at fair market value, not control venue operations, not require buying or blocking a brand, and must follow federal law. Venues must keep agreements for 3 years, disclose sponsors at renewal, and post that ad space is generally available. Several older sections are repealed to align with these rules.
Clear drink serving‑size limits
Starting June 10, 2025, the 4.5‑ounce single‑service limit applies only to spirits over 15% alcohol. The 1‑liter limit for wine carafes and any malt liquor serving or pitcher still applies. On‑premises licensees and servers must follow these limits.
Hotel licenses and drinks in rooms
Beginning June 10, 2025, hotels with at least 4 guest rooms and a DHHS license can get liquor licenses. Licensed hotels may let guests carry drinks bought in designated hotel areas into their rooms. This permission applies only to liquor purchased in those areas.
More small passenger vessels qualify
From June 10, 2025, a "vessel" includes passenger boats licensed to carry at least 12 people, not 25. This applies to boats licensed by the Public Utilities Commission or the U.S. Coast Guard.
Wider sales of low‑alcohol spirits
Beginning June 10, 2025, beer and wine licensees can also sell low‑alcohol spirits products. State wine rules apply to those items, except chapters 65 and 67. In‑state wholesalers may distribute low‑alcohol spirits. Agency liquor stores acting as reselling agents may sell fortified wine to on‑premises retail licensees. The bar on reselling spirits without buying from the bureau still applies.
Rules for spirits rebates and inserts
Effective June 10, 2025, any mail‑in rebate, certificate, or merchandise must be put in or attached to the spirits package by the maker or its broker. Manufacturers must redeem mail‑in rebates. A rebate cannot be more than the purchase price and must require the original dated receipt. The commission must approve promotional materials and mail‑in rebates.
Restaurants can cater alcohol off‑site
From June 10, 2025, licensed restaurants can get an off‑premises catering license to sell the same liquor types they sell in‑house. The permit costs $10 per calendar day of the event. You may sell only the liquor types allowed by your main license.
Store‑restaurant co‑location and drink rules
Starting June 10, 2025, an off‑premises liquor store can also hold a Class III or IV on‑premises license or a Class A restaurant license for another part of the building. Each area must meet its own license rules, and food must be available whenever drinks are sold for on‑site use. Patrons may not carry malt liquor or wine between the two areas. You must post clear signs and have a permanent wall with one controlled access point.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Laura Supica
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Timothy Guerrette
Republican • House
Victoria Doudera
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 230
6/10/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
6/3/2025SenateThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/3/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-328) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-328), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/2/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-328).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on February 6, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
2/6/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-328), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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