CT SB00905

Cafe permit holders must keep food available for sale during the majority of operating hours, with compliance allowed through outside vendor food delivery; no requirement for substantial food sales or specific percentage of alcohol revenue.

Cafe patrons may remove one unsealed bottle of wine for off-premises consumption if they purchased and consumed a full course meal on-premises, with the bottle securely sealed in a bag by the permittee.

Annual cafe permit fee is $2,000, except prior tavern permit holders pay $800 (year 1), $1,200 (year 2), $1,600 (year 3), and $2,000 thereafter.

Tobacco bars that generated at least 10% of gross income from tobacco sales and rentals in 2002, or commenced operations between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2022 while generating at least 60% from tobacco sales, are permitted to allow smoking and vaping despite general smoking/vaping prohibitions in alcoholic establishments.

Tobacco bar definition excludes cigarettes and chewing tobacco, and includes only cigars and pipe tobacco as qualifying tobacco products.