SCS/SB 359 - This act allows certain additional goods related to the sale and use of alcohol, including ice buckets, napkin holders, and similar goods, to be distributed to retailers for use in promotion of sales. The dollar limit to the total value of product displays given or sold to alcohol retailers at any one time by distillers, wholesalers, winemakers, and brewers is raised from $300 dollars per brand, per retail outlet, to $500 dollars under this act. The dollar limit to the total value of all permanent point-of-sale advertising materials is also raised from $500 dollars to $800 dollars per year, per brand, per retail outlet. The replacement of similar permanent point-of-sale advertising materials does not apply towards the maximum of $800 dollars.
Certain restrictions and requirements are implemented under this act relating to the giving or lending of alcohol vending equipment to retailers by solicitors, wholesalers, and brewers. These include removing distillers and winemakers from the categories of alcohol producers allowed to give or lend alcohol vending equipment to retailers, specifying that only nonrefrigeration beer may be dispensed, and altering the list of specific tools which may be used to dispense that beer. Under current law, a broader list of such tools is permitted than is permitted under this act. A deposit payment for such equipment is required if an equipment item is loaned for more than ten days within a thirty-day period. A complete record of equipment given, rented, sold, installed, and loaned, and repairs and services made to a retailer, is required for a period of not less than two years.
Distillers, brewers, and winemakers are permitted to directly sell certain merchandise, as long as that merchandise meets certain criteria set forth in this act.
This act is similar to HCS/HB 433 (2017) and HCS/HB 679 (2017).
JOHN GRANA