SB 647 - Streamlining the Liquor Control Act

• Restructures alcoholic beverage manufacturer permits into specialized categories including spirits, beer, farm winery, farm brewery, farm distillery, wine/cider/mead, and brew pub permits with distinct operational allowances and annual fees ranging from $200 to $1,850

• Allows small manufacturers (less than 25,000-50,000 gallons annually depending on type) to sell directly to consumers with restrictions on volume and frequency, requiring age verification at delivery and tax compliance

• Creates new Connecticut craft cafe permit allowing retail sale of in-state manufactured alcoholic liquor with food availability requirement, priced at $300 annually

• Establishes expanded definition of "mead" as fermented honey product and consolidates various wine/cider/apple wine products under unified manufacturer permit for wine, cider and mead

• Increases case-packing authorization from four to eight times annually for spirits and modifies numerous operational requirements, hours of sale, and fee structures across retail, restaurant, and manufacturing permits, effective primarily July 1, 2020