Beer pouch packaging bill passed in Connecticut

Earlier this month, we reported that legislation that allowed beer and other malt beverages to be sold in pouches was on the Connecticut’s governor’s desk for approval. Last Friday, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signed that bill into law, allowing the sale of malt-based beverages in pouch packaging.

Diageo, a global premium beverage business, launched a press release that announced the bill’s passage.

“This year’s Pouch bill and last year’s Sunday Sales laws respond to Connecticut consumers’ demand for more access and put Connecticut in a more competitive position with neighboring states,” said Guy L. Smith IV, executive vice president of Diageo North America. “We hope in the near future the legislature and governor will enact consumer-friendly pricing reform.”

Public Act 13-27, H.B. 6540, sponsored by Senate Environment Committee Chair Ed Meyer (Democrat-Senate District 12) and House Environment Committee Chair Linda Gentile (Democrat-Assembly District 104), advances the Connecticut legislature’s efforts to continue modernizing Connecticut’s beverage alcohol laws.

Opponents of the bill consist mainly of state environmental officials who argue that the containers cannot be recycled. It’s unclear if local craft brewers will jump on the pouch packaging bandwagon.

The bill was signed the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start of the summer outdoor entertaining season. It is effective immediately.