Connecticut Shakes Up Liquor Laws Again

Connecticut’s state legislature passed a number of measures aimed at changing alcohol laws.

Consumers will have another hour everyday to purchase alcohol at package stores and other off-premise sale locations.

The passed budget included a section that allows off-premise locations to sell alcohol until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday. This goes into effect beginning July 1.

Growler enthusiasts can also rejoice as restaurants, cafes and taverns will now be able to sell sealed containers of draught beer for off-premise consumption. The purchase is limited to four liters of beer per day for any individual.

Previously restaurants like Southport Brewing Co. could only sell their own brand of beer, according to the Norwalk Hour. Many places that already sell growlers have special fill stations that keep the beer carbonated for a longer period of time.

Gov. Dannel Malloy recently signed a bill that bans the purchase, possession and sale of powdered alcohol, also known as palcohol. There is a $100 fine for the first offense for purchasing or possessing the substance. Sale is subject to a $250 fine.

In March, the federal government approved the sale of powdered alcohol, which comes in small packets and can be added to water to make an alcoholic drink. Many states, including Vermont, South Carolina, Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Utah, and Virginia, have already banned the powdered alcohol, the Hartford Courant has reported.

This substance has become popular with teenagers and there are several concerns about it. One is that since it comes in small packets, it can easily be brought into schools, concerts, or other places without being seen. Another concern is that some people may snort the powder, causing an array of health issues.

Another law change will allow a single person to possess four liquor licenses up from the current three starting July 1. That will be expanded to five in July 2016.

Package store owners lobbied hard against dropping the state’s minimum pricing rule, which is often seen as a boon for smaller stores, according to CT News Junkie.

Image via Ewan Munro/Flickr Commons