House Bill 1191 Summary

• Allows a single wholesaler to hold beer, wine, and liquor wholesaler permits simultaneously, eliminating the previous restriction limiting wholesalers to only two beverage types.

• Permits beer wholesalers to have a minority interest in other beer wholesaler entities if those entities are women-owned or minority-owned businesses located in counties bordering the Ohio River.

• Removes the sales cap on flavored malt beverages for wine wholesalers who also hold liquor wholesaler permits, allowing them to sell more than 1,000,000 gallons annually.

• Establishes a mandatory negotiation and binding arbitration process when a liquor or wine brand's primary supplier changes wholesalers, requiring compensation to the existing wholesaler for lost distribution rights based on fair market value.

• Requires primary sources of supply to provide certified mail notice to existing wholesalers before terminating or transferring brand distribution rights, with specific timelines and procedures for dispute resolution.