SB 540 -- MICROBREWERIES

SPONSOR:  Gross (Dempsey)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 14 to 0.

This bill limits the number of microbrewer liquor licenses held
by one person, his agents, or affiliates to 10.  Microbrewer
licensees are further prohibited from having any financial
interest in other facilities which sell intoxicating liquor by
the drink, except for those microbrewery facilities for which
they hold licenses.

The bill also exempts microbrewers from the provisions of the
liquor control law which requires licensed retailers to purchase
only from a licensed wholesaler, when pertaining to products
produced on the premises.  All other intoxicating liquor sold on
the premises must be purchased from a wholesaler.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that when the microbrewery act was
passed the provision relating to the purchase of products by
retailers from wholesalers was overlooked.  This allows
microbrewers to legally sell their products on their premises.

Testifying for the bill was Senator Gross.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:13 am