Bill heads to Governor Kemp’s desk for signature
The Georgia General Assembly passed legislation yesterday to allow home delivery of spirits and spirits tastings in off-premise retail stores.
“Home delivery of spirits will increase consumer convenience while providing additional revenue for local businesses,” said Jay Hibbard, Distilled Spirits Council Vice President of State Government Relations. “This market modernization is a win-win for consumers and hospitality businesses, especially in light of COVID-19. Spirits tastings boost business by giving consumers the opportunity to ‘try before they buy’ in a responsible retail setting. We applaud the General Assembly for supporting the state’s hospitality industry and the leadership of Representative Brett Harrell and Senator Bill Cowsert. We urge Governor Kemp to act quickly in signing this consumer- and business-friendly legislation.”
Under the bill, HB 879, restaurants and off-premise retailers will be able to home deliver spirits. Off-premise retailers will also be able to have 52 tastings per year per licensee. Governor Brian Kemp has 45 days to sign the bill.
Georgia is the latest in a trend of states to modernize the alcohol marketplace to increase consumer convenience and choice. Currently, 47 states plus the District of Columbia allow some form of spirits tastings at retail premises. If passed into law, this bill would make Georgia the 48th state.