NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Alcohol and Gaming Division, Regulation and Licensing Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HBIC Amendment

The House Business and Industry Committee amendment providing some language changes which accomplish the same purposes as the intent of the original bill. It allows persons with a winegrowers or small brewers license to conduct wine or beer tastings and sell for consumption on or off premises, but not for resale, products produced by the individual or other wine growers or small brewers.

Synopsis of Original Bill

Senate Bill 72 amends the Liquor Control Act to authorize New Mexico winegrowers and small brewers to join together during public celebrations for purposes of conducting wine and beer tastings and sell by the glass or bottle or in unbroken packages for consumption off premises but not for resale, wine and beer of their own production.

Significant Issues

Currently, if a public celebration is conducted where both small brewer license holders and winegrower license holders participate, a physical separation is required.

The proposed changes would enable both small brewer and winegrower license holders to permit attendees to co-mingle during these events potentially resulting in increased attendance and participation.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

This bill would have minimal impact on the department's performance.

MV/prr:ar