HCS HB 1726 -- BEER AND INTOXICATING LIQUOR

SPONSOR:  Johnson (47)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government by a vote of 12 to 2.

This substitute requires intoxicating and nonintoxicating beer to
be brewed from malt or a malt substitute.  Flavor and other
non-beverage ingredients containing alcohol may be used in
producing intoxicating and nonintoxicating beer but may not
contribute to more than 49% of the overall alcohol content of the
finished beer.

The substitute also defines "brand" and "brand extension" and
specifies that a brewer or importer must offer to assign a brand
extension to a wholesaler to whom he or she granted the exclusive
sales territory for the brand if the brand extension was not
assigned before August 28, 2006.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that beer products are expanding all
the time and Missouri should be consistent with federal
definitions.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Johnson (47); and
Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that federal
regulations with new definitions and standards were enacted in
January 2006.  It will be costly, from an enforcement standpoint,
if Missouri laws were inconsistent with the federal regulations;
and some products may not be marketable in this state.

Others testifying on the bill was Division of Alcohol and Tobacco
Control, Department of Public Safety.

Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:44 am