Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3712

Filed
3/6/23  
Out of House Committee
4/27/23  
Voted on by House
5/3/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/19/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/21/23  
Governor Action
6/10/23  

Caption

Relating to authorizing a holder of a distributor's license to provide samples of malt beverages to retailers.

Impact

If passed, this bill will amend existing provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Code pertaining to the distribution of samples. It aims to enhance the relationship between distributors and retailers by providing retailers with the opportunity to evaluate potential new products. This could lead to an expanded range of products available to consumers, benefiting both consumers and the market's competitive landscape. Additionally, the bill's implementation would clarify the limits regarding how samples can be provided, fostering better compliance with state laws.

Summary

House Bill 3712, introduced by Representative Hernandez, seeks to authorize distributors to provide sampled malt beverages to retailers, reinstating a practice that was curtailed by the 2019 Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Sunset Bill. The bill stipulates that distributors can offer up to 72 ounces of malt beverages to retail permit holders for the purpose of sampling new products. The intention behind this legislation is to create a more competitive environment within the alcohol distribution market, allowing retailers to test products before making bulk purchases.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 3712 appears to be positive, without significant opposition noted during committee discussions. Supporters argue that reinstating the ability for distributors to provide samples addresses a critical need within the beverage industry, particularly in fostering competition among retailers. The acknowledgment from industry representatives, such as Keith Strama from the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas, reflects a consensus on the necessity of the bill for the practicality of product introduction and market adaptability.

Contention

While no notable opposition has been highlighted in the discussions, there is an underlying tension regarding previous regulatory changes that restricted sampling practices. The bill's purpose to reverse the effects of the 2019 Sunset Bill poses a question on balancing regulation and industry needs. This underscores a broader conversation about legal frameworks surrounding alcohol distribution and how regulators can support industry growth while ensuring responsible practices.

Companion Bills

TX SB1679

Identical Relating to the authorization of distributors to provide malt beverage products to retailers for authorized sampling purposes.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2376

Transferring the licensure of on-premise cereal malt beverage retailers and off-premise cereal malt beverage retailers from cities and counties to the alcoholic beverage control division of the department of revenue; allowing continued local licensure by cities or counties.

TX SB2225

Relating to the manufacture, distribution, sale, and taxation of ready-to-drink spirit beverages.

TX HB2309

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, further provid ing for general powers of board, for restrictions on members of the board and certain employees of Commonwealth, for enforcement and for biennial reports; in licenses and regulations, liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses, for number and kinds of licenses allowed same licensee, for responsible alcohol management, for surrender of restaurant, eating place retail dispenser, hotel, club, catering club, importing distributor and distributor license for benefit of licensee, for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees and for liability of licensees; providing for hemp-derived cannabinoid beverages; establishing the Local Hemp Sharing Fund; and imposing penalties.

TX SB56

Authorizing home delivery of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverage by licensed retailers, drinking establishments and third-party delivery services.

TX SB2092

Hemp beverages; authorizing the Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement Commission to regulate hemp beverages; allowing certain licensee to sell; prohibiting sale of beverages to persons under 21 years of age. Effective date.

TX HB559

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for license districts, license period and hearings, for issuance, transfer or extension of hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses, for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses and for malt and brewed beverages retail licenses.

TX H7493

Allows a brewery to sell, deliver, and distribute its own malt beverages directly to retailers without using a wholesaler. The holder of a license for a brewery may also have 1 additional location for the retail sale of alcohol.

TX HB885

In Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, further providing for sales by Pennsylvania Liquor Stores; and, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for malt and brewed beverages manufacturers', distributors' and importing distributors' licenses.

TX SB202

AN ACT relating to regulated beverages and declaring an emergency.

TX SB985

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for ready-to-drink cocktail permit, for authority to acquire ready-to-drink cocktail permits, for distributors' and importing distributors' restrictions on sales, storage, etc. and for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.