State Task Force Studies New Liquor Laws

The crux of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s package of alcohol laws was allowing the sale of booze on Sundays. A new 15-member task force is looking at several laws that could further change the industry.

According to the Hartford Courant, the mix of legislators and business owners will look at new taxes on alcohol and also the price control laws that bar alcohol from being sold below a certain price. The Courant also reports that the task force will look at “volume discount laws, liquor permit restrictions and possibly laws granting exclusive territories for beer distributors.”

Beyond anecdotes, there’s reportedly little concrete evidence about what the changes have meant for businesses. That will change when taxes are due.

Malloy’s liquor laws were always intended to be more than just Sunday sales. earlier this year, the governor said the reforms would help Connecticut businesses compete with surrounding states.

“They’re eating our lunch,” said Malloy, referencing the money lost to out-of-state alcohol sales. “They’re literally eating our lunch.”