Senate Bill 1430 Summary

• Modifies Section 205 to establish requirements for authorized distribution agents appointed by the liquor commission to warehouse and distribute spirits, including eligibility criteria and operational procedures.

• Requires authorized distribution agents to deliver to retailers at least weekly, provide access to online ordering systems, and fulfill emergency orders within 18 hours (or by noon Monday if ordered on weekends), with a maximum $20 fee for emergency deliveries.

• Prohibits authorized distribution agents from holding title to spirits or having direct/indirect interests in spirit suppliers or retailers, and makes them liable for transportation costs, breakage, and shortages until delivery.

• Requires authorized distribution agents to demonstrate good faith efforts to employ former state workers terminated due to liquor distribution privatization, with enforcement through commission complaints and potential license suspension or revocation.

• Modifies Section 307 to restrict manufacturers and outstate wine sellers from granting multiple wine wholesalers exclusive sales territory rights in the same county area effective June 1, 2010, while allowing certain existing multi-wholesaler agreements to continue.