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H 4196

An Act for all licensees for beer to be drunk on the premises must list the alcohol by volume for each beer selection on the menu

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Requires all on-premises beer licenses to list ABV next to each beer on the menu, giving patrons clear, at purchase alcohol strength info.

Accompanied a study order, see H4733
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Bill Summary · H 4196

Summary of House Bill H.4196 (2025)

Title

An Act for all licensees for beer to be drunk on the premises must list the alcohol by volume for each beer selection on the menu

Purpose and intent

  • The bill would require all licensees authorizing beer to be consumed on the premises (e.g., bars, restaurants) to display the alcohol by volume (ABV) for every beer option on the menu.
  • The aim is to increase transparency and help consumers make informed choices about their on-premises beer selections.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Chapter 138, Alcoholic Liquors: The bill adds a new Section 79 at the end of Section 78.
  • ABV listing requirement: Every beer on the on-premises beer menu must have its ABV clearly listed next to the beer selection.
  • Scope: Applies to all licensees serving beer for consumption on the premises.

Note: The provided text does not include the exact language of the new Section 79 (e.g., formatting, penalties, effective date). The summary reflects the core requirement as described: ABV listing for each beer on the menu.

Affected parties

  • Licensees: All holders of licenses authorizing beer for on-premises consumption (e.g., taverns, restaurants, brewpubs, bars).
    • Obligations include updating menus to display ABV for each beer option.
  • Consumers/patrons: Will have access to ABV information at point of sale, enabling informed beverage choices.
  • Industry/compliance personnel: May incur initial/menu updates and potential ongoing compliance checks relating to labeling/menu accuracy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 27, 2025.
  • Initial action: Referred to the House Rules (March 27, 2025).
  • Subsequent actions:
    • June 2, 2025: Reported, referred to Joint Rules; rules suspended and referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
    • June 5, 2025: Senate concurred.
    • June 26, 2025: Hearing scheduled (July 7, 2025) in Room A-2.
    • November 17, 2025: Accompanied by a study order (H4733), indicating a required study related to the bill’s impact or implementation.
  • Status: Accompanied a study order; the bill is part of ongoing consideration with a mandated study attached.

Related and historical notes

  • Related matter previously filed in a prior session (House 305 of 2023-2024) and replaced by this filing (House 4196) in the 2025-2026 session.
  • The study order (H4733) suggests the Legislature may review practical implications, costs, and enforcement considerations before or alongside potential enactment.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Consumer benefits: Greater transparency on ABV may influence purchasing decisions and promote informed consumption.
  • Compliance costs: Licensees may incur costs to audit and update menus, staff training on ABV display, and potential signage adjustments.
  • Enforcement: Details on penalties, effective dates, and compliance mechanisms are not provided in the text excerpt and would be clarified in the enacted statute or subsequent regulatory guidance.

If you’d like, I can track updates on H.4196’s progress, or draft a shorter one-paragraph briefing for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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