VermontH.9212025-2026 SessionHouseWALLET

An act relating to alcoholic beverages

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Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Alcohol sales applicants gain payment flexibility

Beginning July 1, 2026, applicants for alcohol solicitor licenses no longer need to pay by certified check. They must still pay the required license fee to the Division of Liquor Control. The payment is returned if the Board does not grant the license.

Alcohol sellers lose one hours restriction

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law removes one statutory restriction on alcohol sales for off-premises use. That provision limited sales to between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Other sales restrictions may still apply; this repeal does not authorize unrestricted sales hours.

Drink makers gain more sales options

Beginning July 1, 2026, licensed producers can offer other makers’ drinks at five fourth-class locations, up from one. Sales can be unopened or by the glass; spirits and fortified wines require invoices and no more than seven additional makers. Producers can sell their own products to any fourth-class licensee, replacing the limit of five additional manufacturers or rectifiers. Wine and malt beverage makers can operate up to two licensed establishments, both owned or directly controlled by the maker. Each establishment must be at the manufacturing facility or on adjoining property owned by the maker.

Retailers get shorter tasting permit deadlines

Beginning July 1, 2026, retailers can apply for tasting permits at least one business day before the event. This replaces the requirement to apply at least five days ahead. Licensees must use the Commissioner’s required written application form and pay the applicable fee by that deadline.

Alcohol sellers face tasting size limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, fourth-class licensees must follow limits on drinks served to retail customers at licensed locations. At farmers’ markets, malt, wine, and ready-to-drink spirits beverages have a 2-ounce serving limit and an 8-ounce total limit. Spirits and fortified wine have a quarter-ounce serving limit and a 1-ounce total limit there. At tasting rooms and retail shops, totals are capped at 16 ounces for malt beverages or hard cider, and 12 ounces for wine or ready-to-drink spirits beverages. Spirits and fortified wine have a 2-ounce total limit there, with each serving capped at a quarter-ounce.

Event organizers face tighter alcohol permits

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Division of Liquor Control can issue special event permits only for public events. Local control commissioners must approve the event. Organizers must submit the application and applicable fee at least five days before the event.

Brewers gain direct sales with reporting

Beginning July 1, 2026, licensed malt beverage makers can distribute their own malt beverages directly to first- or second-class licensees. Total direct distribution is capped at 3,000 barrels per year. Makers must keep copies of sales and distribution records. By January 15 each year, they must report the preceding 12 months’ total to the Division of Liquor Control. Reports must follow the Commissioner’s required manner and form.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

House message: Governor approved bill on June 15, 2026
5/29/2026House
Signed by Governor on June 15, 2026
5/29/2026House
Delivered to Governor on June 9, 2026
5/29/2026House
House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment
5/26/2026House
Senate proposal of amendment concurred in
5/21/2026House
Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 21, 2026
5/21/2026House
Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 21, 2026
5/20/2026House
Rep. Boyden of Cambridge moved to postpone action until May 21, 2026, which was agreed to
5/19/2026House
Action Calendar: Unfinished Business
5/19/2026House
Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 18, 2026
5/18/2026House
Action Calendar: Action postponed until May 18, 2026
5/15/2026House
Rep. Boyden of Cambridge moved to postpone action until May 18, 2026, which was agreed to
5/14/2026House
Action Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/14/2026House
Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/13/2026House
Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/12/2026Senate
Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/8/2026Senate
New Business/Third Reading
5/8/2026Senate
3rd reading ordered
5/7/2026Senate
Proposal of amendment amended on motion of Senator(s) Ram Hinsdale
5/7/2026Senate
Proposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs agreed to
5/7/2026Senate
Reported favorably by Senator Brock for Committee on Finance
5/7/2026Senate
Read 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Weeks for Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
5/7/2026Senate
Proposal of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Ram Hinsdale
5/7/2026Senate
Favorable report by Committee on Finance
5/7/2026Senate
Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
5/7/2026Senate

Bill Text

As Enacted (ACT 137)Opens in a new window
6/18/2026
PDF
As Passed by Both Chambers
6/2/2026
PDF
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
6/2/2026
PDF
Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/14/2026
PDF
Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/14/2026
PDF
As Passed by the House
3/25/2026
PDF
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
3/25/2026
PDF
As Introduced
2/27/2026
PDF

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