H.F. 1028 Summary

• Increases cider maximum alcohol content from 7 percent to 8.5 percent alcohol by volume and modifies corresponding excise tax rates for wine and cider products, effective for tax due after December 31, 2021.

• Expands microdistillery off-sale limits from one 375 milliliter bottle to up to 1.5 liters per customer per day of distilled spirits manufactured on site.

• Allows brewers and wineries to own or have interests in wholesalers that sell only their own products, and permits wineries to self-distribute.

• Authorizes bars and restaurants to offer limited off-sales of malt liquor, hard seltzer, cider, wine, and cocktails with prepared food take-out orders without additional licensing, subject to quantity limits (72 ounces of beer/seltzer/cider; 128 ounces if in growler; 750 milliliters wine; 34 ounces cocktails per order).

• Modifies malt liquor packaging requirements to allow growlers and 750 milliliter bottles with secure seals, permits exclusive liquor stores to refill containers, and streamlines brand registration by allowing certain manufacturers to skip registration if products are sold only for on-tap consumption.