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HB 2064

Relating to limitations on craft cocktail orders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Clark

HB 2064 allows West Virginia private clubs to sell craft cocktail growlers with food, promoting local distilling while ensuring responsible alcohol consumption and safety.

To House Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism
#alcoholicliquorsandbeers
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Bill Summary · HB 2064

Summary of House Bill 2064 (HB 2064)

Overview

Bill Number: HB 2064
Title: Relating to limitations on craft cocktail orders
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Status: To House Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism
Primary Sponsor: Delegate W. Clark

House Bill 2064 aims to amend existing laws regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages, specifically focusing on craft cocktails and wine growlers in private clubs in West Virginia. The bill seeks to establish regulations that ensure responsible service and consumption of alcoholic beverages while promoting the local distilling industry.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Sales and Service Regulations:

    • Private clubs may sell and serve alcoholic liquors and nonintoxicating beers in designated outdoor areas, subject to municipal approval.
    • A private club must submit an application for approval of outdoor dining areas, which can be up to 300 feet from the licensed premises.

  2. Craft Cocktail Growler Sales:

    • Licensed private clubs can sell sealed craft cocktail growlers, which must contain a mixture of liquor and nonalcoholic beverages in a specified ratio (1:4) and not exceed 128 fluid ounces.
    • Sales are restricted to patrons who have dined in the establishment or are picking up food, ensuring that food accompanies the alcohol purchase.

  3. Verification and Compliance:

    • Licensees must verify the age (21 years or older) and sobriety of patrons purchasing craft cocktail growlers.
    • A non-refundable annual fee of $100 is required for the sale of craft cocktail growlers.

  4. Advertising Restrictions:

    • Licensees can only advertise specific brands of liquor with written approval from the respective distilleries and must avoid promoting excessive consumption or targeting minors.

  5. Definition of Craft Cocktail Growler:

    • A craft cocktail growler is defined as a securely sealed container (up to 128 fluid ounces) used for off-premises sales of liquor mixed with nonalcoholic beverages.

Impact

The bill is designed to:
- Support Local Industry: By allowing private clubs to sell craft cocktails, the legislation aims to bolster West Virginia's distilling industry and enhance tourism.
- Promote Responsible Consumption: The requirement for food purchases and age verification seeks to mitigate issues related to alcohol consumption and public safety.
- Regulate Outdoor Sales: Establishing clear guidelines for outdoor dining and alcohol sales helps ensure compliance with local laws and promotes a safe environment for patrons.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 29, 2025: Bill filed by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.
  • February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Government Organization Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed the Executive Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 27, 2025: Held on the calendar for second reading.
  • May 31, 2025: Rule 19(a) re-referred to the Rules Committee.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HB 2064's intent, provisions, and potential impact on the sale of alcoholic beverages in West Virginia, particularly in private club settings.

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

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