SB 875: Relating to container labeling of nonintoxicating beer and nonintoxicating craft beer - West Virginia

sb875 sfa garcia _1 3-31 adopted.htm → sb875 sfat garcia _1 3-31 adopted.htm · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to replace the entire text with a new version that changes the scope from regulating container labeling of all beer to permitting brewers and brewpubs to create privately labeled nonintoxicating beer brands for limited commemorative events. The new version adds specific requirements for private label registration, pricing restrictions, quantity limits, and defines key terms like 'Class A licensee' and 'commemorative event'.

Scope change

The bill's scope narrowed from general container labeling restrictions to specifically allowing private labeling of nonintoxicating beer for commemorative events at licensed establishments.

SCOPE

Changed from prohibiting certain container labels on all beer to permitting private labels on nonintoxicating beer for commemorative events

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that private labels must be registered and approved by the Commissioner before sale

Added pricing restriction requiring purchase at regular posted price with no discounts

Added quantity limit of 25 cases of 24 bottles/cans annually per brand

DEFINITION

Added definitions for 'Class A licensee', 'commemorative event', and 'private label'

TIMELINE

Added effective date of July 1, 2025 and sunset date of July 1, 2026

Committee Substitute → sb875 sfa garcia _1 3-31 adopted.htm · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to significantly restrict private label beer sales to one-time commemorative events for Class A licensees only, rather than allowing broader private label sales. The amendment also adds specific definitions for 'Class A licensee' and 'commemorative event', and establishes a sunset provision with the law expiring on July 1, 2026. Additionally, the amendment requires Commissioner approval before any private label beer can be sold.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed from allowing private label sales to any licensee or individual to restricting it exclusively to Class A licensees purchasing for one-time commemorative events.

ELIGIBILITY

Private label beer sales are now restricted exclusively to Class A licensees who purchase the entire production for one-time commemorative events, rather than any licensee or individual.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'Class A licensee' (entity with Class A on-premise consumption license), 'commemorative event' (one-time celebration of business anniversary), and 'private label' (label indicating contents brewed for particular purchaser).

TIMELINE

Added sunset provision requiring the law to expire on July 1, 2026, with effectiveness beginning July 1, 2025.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that private label beer brands must be registered and approved by the Commissioner before being made available for purchase.

Removed the requirement that private labels be purchased at regular posted price when purchasing existing formulated brands.

Engrossed Committee Substitute → Committee Substitute · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill text was completely replaced with a different version that appears to be a webpage navigation menu rather than the actual legislative text. The substantive policy language regarding private label beer labeling was removed and replaced with website interface elements like 'skip navigation', 'SENATE', 'HOUSE', and other menu items. This appears to be an error in the document provided rather than an intentional legislative change.

TECHNICAL

All substantive legislative text was removed and replaced with website navigation menu items and footer content

Original bill text defining private label beer requirements, commemorative events, and purchasing restrictions was deleted

Website navigation links and footer information were inserted in place of the legislative text

Introduced Version → Engrossed Committee Substitute · 4 edits · Apr 1, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was updated from an introduced version to an engrossed committee substitute version, changing the bill's title date from March 21, 2025 to March 27, 2025, and adding a sunset provision. The substantive policy text regarding private label beer labeling remains largely the same, though the engrossed version includes additional definitions for 'Class A licensee', 'commemorative event', and 'private label', and clarifies that private labels must be approved by the commissioner before sale.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on nonintoxicating beer labeling, but the engrossed version adds specific definitions and clarifies that private labels are only for commemorative events rather than general promotional use.

TIMELINE

Added effective date of July 1, 2025 and sunset date of July 1, 2026 for the private label provisions.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'Class A licensee', 'commemorative event', and 'private label' to clarify the bill's requirements.

REQUIREMENT

Modified the commemorative event requirement to specify it must be a one-time celebration of a business anniversary rather than any event.

ENFORCEMENT

Added requirement that private labels must be registered and approved by the commissioner before beer bearing them can be sold.

Relating to container labeling of nonintoxicating beer and nonintoxicating craft beer

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