HB 5036 Summary

• Allows craft distilleries and breweries to offer complimentary tastings of spirits and beer on premises, with spirits samples limited to two ounces per patron per day and samples allowed as ingredients in cocktails or mixed drinks.

• Permits package stores, restaurants, cafes, and taverns to sell draught beer in sealed containers supplied or filled by the permittee for off-premises consumption during normal retail hours, with limits of four liters per person per day.

• Eliminates minimum pricing requirements for alcoholic liquor (wine, spirits, and beer) by repealing price-fixing provisions and cost-based pricing controls, allowing retailers to set prices based on actual cost plus shipping.

• Removes manufacturer and wholesaler ability to amend posted prices to match competitors' lower prices and eliminates the "bottle price" calculation formula previously required for pricing alcoholic liquor.

• Simplifies Department of Consumer Protection regulatory authority by eliminating specific regulations related to price maintenance, rebates, and suggested retail pricing while retaining authority to address circumvention and closeouts.