HB 2153 Summary

• Defines "emergency circumstances" for permit holders seeking extensions of inactive status, including natural disasters, pending court actions, building construction problems, and contested insurance claims.

• Changes the permit population ratio from 1 permit per 5,000 persons to 1 permit per 7,500 persons for off-premises sales of vinous, spirituous, or malt liquor at state and local levels.

• Updates the effective date for permit protections from July 1, 1991 to September 1, 2017 for holders who maintain their permits regardless of quota ratio changes.

• Allows permits to remain on inactive status for up to 18 months with two possible six-month extensions available under specified business or emergency circumstances before expiration.

• Increases wine tasting sample limits from 1.5 ounces to 6 ounces per customer daily; increases beer samples from 4 ounces to 8 ounces; and increases spirit samples from 1 ounce to 3 ounces.

• Prohibits retail wine sales below the wholesale cost and repeals the restriction on wine tasting events in division-licensed facilities.