Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a joint resolution that authorizes the public to vote on beer and wine sales.

Highlights:

• Authorizes brewers to obtain and operate up to 2 low-point beer branches (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits manufacturers from selling alcoholic beverages except through licensed wholesalers (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits large brewers from selling beer except through licensed wholesalers (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes winemakers to sell wine to any wholesaler (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the direct shipment of an alcoholic beverage to a consumer, except the direct shipment of wine by wineries to an individual of legal age (Sec. 1).

• Defines retail locations as supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, and warehouse clubs authorized to legally sell low-point beer (Sec. 1).

• Requires applicants for a retail spirits license or a wine and spirits wholesaler’s license to be a sole proprietor who has been a resident of the state for at least 5 years, or a partnership in which all the partners have satisfied the same residency requirement (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the issuance of such licenses to corporations, limited liability companies, or similar business entities (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the holder of such a license to enter into an agreement with a corporation, limited liability company, or similar business entity if such company has met the following conditions (Sec. 1):

• Has operated as the holder of a substantially equivalent license in another state for at least 1 year preceding its application;

• Will actively participate in the day-to-day operations of the license holder;

• Will secure all necessary permits within the state; and

• Will not maintain more than a 50% equity interest in the license holder at any time.

• Prohibits the issuance of a license to any establishment with a partner, director or individual in charge who is convicted of a felony (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes local ordinances to levy an occupation tax that does not exceed the amount of the state license fees for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text