Bill Text: TX SB752 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to the delivery and direct shipment of certain alcoholic beverages to ultimate consumers; creating criminal offenses.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-03-01 - Referred to State Affairs [SB752 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-SB752-Introduced.html
  88R7363 MPF-D
 
  By: Flores S.B. No. 752
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the delivery and direct shipment of certain alcoholic
  beverages to ultimate consumers; creating criminal offenses.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 14, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended
  by adding Section 14.09 to read as follows:
         Sec. 14.09.  DIRECT SHIPMENT TO CONSUMERS. (a) The holder
  of a distiller's and rectifier's permit may ship to an ultimate
  consumer, including an ultimate consumer located in a dry area,
  distilled spirits sold by the permit holder to the ultimate
  consumer under Section 14.05. Delivery must be by the holder of a
  carrier or consumer delivery permit.
         (b)  All distilled spirits shipped to an ultimate consumer by
  the holder of a distiller's and rectifier's permit must be in a
  package that is clearly and conspicuously labeled showing that:
               (1)  the package contains distilled spirits; and
               (2)  the package may be delivered only to a person
  described by Subsection (c).
         (c)  Distilled spirits shipped by the holder of a distiller's
  and rectifier's permit may not be delivered to any person other
  than:
               (1)  the person who purchased the distilled spirits;
               (2)  a recipient designated in advance by the
  purchaser; or
               (3)  a person at the delivery address who is 21 years of
  age or older.
         (d)  Distilled spirits may be delivered only to a person who
  is 21 years of age or older and only after the person accepting the
  package:
               (1)  presents valid proof of identity and age; and
               (2)  personally signs a receipt acknowledging delivery
  of the package.
         (e)  The holder of a distiller's and rectifier's permit may
  not:
               (1)  sell or ship distilled spirits to a minor;
               (2)  deliver distilled spirits to a consumer using a
  carrier that does not hold a carrier's permit or a consumer delivery
  permit under this code; or
               (3)  deliver to a consumer in this state more than the
  amount of distilled spirits allowed to be sold to the consumer under
  Section 14.05(c).
         SECTION 2.  Section 16.09(a), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The holder of a winery permit may ship wine to the
  ultimate consumer, including ultimate consumers located in dry
  areas. Delivery must be by the holder of a carrier or consumer
  delivery permit.
         SECTION 3.  Section 41.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 41.01.  AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. (a) The holder of a
  carrier permit may transport malt beverages and liquor into and out
  of this state and between points within the state.
         (b)  The holder may transport malt beverages and liquor from
  one wet area to another wet area across a dry area if that course of
  transportation is necessary or convenient.
         (c)  The holder of a carrier permit who transports malt
  beverages or liquor to the premises of a wholesaler, including to a
  location from which the wholesaler is temporarily conducting
  business under Section 109.62, shall provide to the consignee a
  shipping invoice that clearly states:
               (1)  the name and address of the consignor and
  consignee;
               (2)  the origin and destination of the shipment; and
               (3)  any other information required by this code or
  commission rule, including the brands, sizes of containers, types,
  and quantities of malt beverages and liquor contained in the
  shipment.
         SECTION 4.  Section 41.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 41.04.  REQUIRED INFORMATION. The holder of a carrier
  permit shall furnish information required by the commission
  concerning the transportation of malt beverages and liquor.
         SECTION 5.  Subtitle A, Title 3, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 54A to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 54A. OUT-OF-STATE DISTILLERY DIRECT SHIPPER'S PERMIT
         Sec. 54A.01.  AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. The holder of an
  out-of-state distillery direct shipper's permit may sell and
  deliver distilled spirits that are produced or bottled by the
  permittee to an ultimate consumer located in the State of Texas.
  Delivery must be by the holder of a carrier permit.
         Sec. 54A.02.  PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES. The holder of an
  out-of-state distillery direct shipper's permit may not:
               (1)  sell or ship distilled spirits to a minor;
               (2)  deliver distilled spirits to a consumer using a
  carrier that does not hold a carrier's permit under this code;
               (3)  deliver distilled spirits within a 30-day period
  to the same consumer in this state in an amount that exceeds the
  individual authorization under Section 14.05(c); or
               (4)  sell distilled spirits to ultimate consumers for
  off-premises consumption in an annual amount that exceeds the
  annual authorization under Section 14.05(b).
         Sec. 54A.03.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERMIT. An out-of-state
  distillery direct shipper's permit may only be issued to a person
  who:
               (1)  does not hold a distiller's and rectifier's permit
  in the State of Texas;
               (2)  operates a distillery located in the United States
  and holds all state and federal permits necessary to operate the
  distillery;
               (3)  holds a Texas sales tax permit;
               (4)  expressly submits to personal jurisdiction in
  Texas state and federal courts and expressly submits to venue in
  Travis County, Texas, as proper venue for any proceedings that may
  be initiated by or against the commission; and
               (5)  does not directly or indirectly have any financial
  interest in a Texas wholesaler or retailer as those terms are used
  in Section 102.01.
         Sec. 54A.04.  IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) All
  distilled spirits sold or shipped by the holder of an out-of-state
  distillery direct shipper's permit must be in a package that is
  clearly and conspicuously labeled showing that:
               (1)  the package contains distilled spirits; and
               (2)  the package may only be delivered to a person
  described by Subsection (b).
         (b)  Distilled spirits sold or shipped by a holder of an
  out-of-state distillery direct shipper's permit may not be
  delivered to any person other than:
               (1)  the person who purchased the distilled spirits;
               (2)  a recipient designated in advance by the
  purchaser; or
               (3)  a person at the delivery address who is 21 years of
  age or older.
         (c)  Distilled spirits may be delivered only to a person who
  is 21 years of age or older and only after the person accepting the
  package:
               (1)  presents valid proof of identity and age; and
               (2)  personally signs a receipt acknowledging delivery
  of the package.
         Sec. 54A.05.  REPORTS AND RECORDKEEPING. (a) The holder of
  an out-of-state distillery direct shipper's permit shall maintain
  records of all sales and deliveries made under the permit.
         (b)  The holder of an out-of-state distillery direct
  shipper's permit shall maintain complete sales and delivery records
  for all sales and deliveries made under the permit for at least five
  years from the date of sale. These records shall be made available
  on request for inspection by the commission or any other
  appropriate state agency.
         (c)  The commission shall establish rules requiring the
  holder of an out-of-state distillery direct shipper's permit to
  periodically file reports providing the commission with such
  information as the commission may determine is needed to more
  efficiently and effectively enforce the state laws applicable to
  the permit holder.
         Sec. 54A.06.  LIABILITY FOR AND PAYMENT OF TAXES. (a) Sales
  made by the holder of an out-of-state distillery direct shipper's
  permit shall be considered to have been made in the State of Texas
  for delivery in the State of Texas.
         (b)  The holder of an out-of-state distillery direct
  shipper's permit shall be responsible for paying the following
  state taxes related to sales and deliveries made under this
  chapter:
               (1)  excise taxes on the distilled spirits sold,
  payable at the same rate and in the same manner as if the permittee
  were a Texas distiller or rectifier located in Texas; and
               (2)  state sales and use taxes all payable at the same
  rate and in the same manner as if the permittee were a Texas
  distiller or rectifier located in Texas.
         (c)  An ultimate consumer who purchases distilled spirits
  from the holder of an out-of-state distillery direct shipper's
  permit under this chapter shall be considered to be purchasing the
  distilled spirits from a Texas permittee and shall not be charged
  the administrative fee for personal imports set forth in Section
  107.07.
         Sec. 54A.07.  RESALE PROHIBITED. A consumer purchasing
  distilled spirits from the holder of an out-of-state distillery
  direct shipper's permit may not resell the distilled spirits, and
  any such distilled spirit that is resold is an illicit beverage.
         Sec. 54A.08.  DELIVERY AREAS. Distilled spirits shipped
  under this chapter may be delivered to persons located in a dry
  area.
         Sec. 54A.09.  LABEL APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED. If the holder of
  an out-of-state distillery direct shipper's permit has satisfied
  all federal label approval requirements for a particular brand of
  distilled spirits, then no further label approval shall be required
  by the commission.
         Sec. 54A.10.  RULES. The commission shall adopt rules and
  forms necessary to implement this chapter.
         Sec. 54A.11.  PENALTY FOR SHIPPING WITHOUT PERMIT. Any
  person who does not hold an out-of-state distillery direct
  shipper's permit who sells and ships alcohol from outside of Texas
  to an ultimate consumer in Texas commits on first offense a Class B
  misdemeanor, on second offense a Class A misdemeanor, and on third
  offense a state jail felony.
         SECTION 6.  Section 57.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 57.01.  AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. (a)  The holder of a
  consumer delivery permit may contract with or employ a driver for
  the delivery of an alcoholic beverage from the premises of the
  holder of a retailer's or manufacturer's permit or license
  described by Subsection (b) to an ultimate consumer located in an
  area where the sale of the beverage is legal.
         (b)  An alcoholic beverage may be delivered under this
  section only if the alcoholic beverage is sold or served to the
  ultimate consumer by the holder of a:
               (1)  package store permit;
               (2)  wine only package store permit;
               (3)  wine and beer retailer's permit;
               (4)  wine and beer retailer's off-premise permit;
               (5)  retail dealer's on-premise license;
               (6)  retail dealer's off-premise license;
               (7)  mixed beverage permit authorized to deliver
  alcoholic beverages under Section 28.1001; [or]
               (8)  private club permit authorized to deliver
  alcoholic beverages under Section 32.155;
               (9)  distiller's and rectifier's permit;
               (10)  winery permit; or
               (11)  brewer's license.
         SECTION 7.  Section 57.02(b), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The holder of a consumer delivery permit may make
  deliveries of alcoholic beverages:
               (1)  only in response to bona fide orders placed by the
  consumer under Section 57.01; and
               (2)  only in areas where the sale of the beverages is
  legal in:
                     (A)  the county in which the premises of the
  retailer or manufacturer making the sale is located;
                     (B)  the city or town in which the premises of the
  retailer or manufacturer making the sale is located, if the
  retailer or manufacturer is located in a city or town; or
                     (C)  an area not further than two miles beyond the
  municipal boundary of the city or town in which the premises of the
  retailer or manufacturer is located, if applicable.
         SECTION 8.  Section 57.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 57.04.  ELIGIBILITY FOR PERMIT.  A consumer delivery
  permit may be issued to:
               (1)  a person who contracts with or employs individuals
  for the delivery of retail goods to consumers, other than the holder
  of a permit or license in the [manufacturing or] wholesale tier of
  the alcoholic beverage industry; or
               (2)  the holder of a permit or license described by
  Section 57.01(b).
         SECTION 9.  Section 57.06(c), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  An alcoholic beverage may be delivered under this
  chapter outside the hours of operation of the retailer or
  manufacturer from which the delivery is being made only if the
  delivery driver:
               (1)  receives the beverage from the retailer or
  manufacturer during the retailer's or manufacturer's hours of legal
  sale; and
               (2)  completes the delivery to the consumer in a
  reasonable amount of time after leaving the retailer's or
  manufacturer's premises.
         SECTION 10.  Section 57.07, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 57.07.  RETAILER AND MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBILITY. (a)  
  A retailer's or manufacturer's responsibilities under this code
  regarding delivery of an alcoholic beverage to an ultimate consumer
  are considered satisfied at the time the retailer or manufacturer
  transfers possession of an alcoholic beverage to the consumer
  delivery permittee or a delivery driver employed by, contracted
  with, or acting on behalf of the holder of a consumer delivery
  permit.
         (b)  An action by a consumer delivery permittee or by a
  delivery driver is not attributable to the retailer or manufacturer
  with regard to:
               (1)  providing, selling, or serving alcohol to a minor
  or to an intoxicated individual;
               (2)  the delivery of alcohol in a dry or otherwise
  illegal area, unless the retailer or manufacturer has contractually
  agreed to retain responsibility for ensuring that deliveries are
  not directed to a dry or otherwise illegal area; or
               (3)  any other provision of this code.
         (c)  A retailer or manufacturer:
               (1)  is not required to verify that the consumer
  delivery permittee or the delivery driver has received delivery
  driver training under Section 57.09(a)(1); and
               (2)  may not be held responsible for any reason under
  statutory or common law for the actions of a consumer delivery
  permittee or a delivery driver acting on behalf of a consumer
  delivery permittee.
         SECTION 11.  Chapter 62, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended
  by adding Section 62.123 to read as follows:
         Sec. 62.123.  DIRECT SHIPMENT TO CONSUMERS. (a) The holder
  of a brewer's license may ship to an ultimate consumer, including an
  ultimate consumer located in a dry area, malt beverages sold by the
  license holder to the ultimate consumer under Section 62.122(a)(2).
  Delivery must be by the holder of a carrier or consumer delivery
  permit.
         (b)  All malt beverages shipped to an ultimate consumer by
  the holder of a brewer's license must be in a package that is
  clearly and conspicuously labeled showing that:
               (1)  the package contains malt beverages; and
               (2)  the package may be delivered only to a person
  described by Subsection (c).
         (c)  Malt beverages shipped by the holder of a brewer's
  license may not be delivered to any person other than:
               (1)  the person who purchased the malt beverages;
               (2)  a recipient designated in advance by the
  purchaser; or
               (3)  a person at the delivery address who is 21 years of
  age or older.
         (d)  Malt beverages may be delivered only to a person who is
  21 years of age or older and only after the person accepting the
  package:
               (1)  presents valid proof of identity and age; and
               (2)  personally signs a receipt acknowledging delivery
  of the package.
         (e)  The holder of a brewer's license may not:
               (1)  sell or ship malt beverages to a minor;
               (2)  deliver malt beverages to a consumer using a
  carrier that does not hold a carrier's permit or a consumer delivery
  permit under this code; or
               (3)  deliver to the same consumer in this state more
  than 288 fluid ounces of malt beverages per calendar day.
         SECTION 12.  Subtitle B, Title 3, Alcoholic Beverage Code,
  is amended by adding Chapter 63A to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 63A. OUT-OF-STATE BREWERY DIRECT SHIPPER'S LICENSE
         Sec. 63A.01.  AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. The holder of an
  out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license may sell and deliver
  malt beverages that are produced or bottled by the licensee to an
  ultimate consumer located in the State of Texas. Delivery must be
  by the holder of a carrier permit.
         Sec. 63A.02.  PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES. The holder of an
  out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license may not:
               (1)  sell or ship malt beverages to a minor;
               (2)  deliver malt beverages to a consumer using a
  carrier that does not hold a carrier's permit under this code;
               (3)  deliver malt beverages to the same consumer in the
  same calendar day in an amount that exceeds the daily authorization
  under Section 62.122(a-1); or
               (4)  sell malt beverages to ultimate consumers in this
  state in an annual amount that exceeds the annual authorization
  under Section 62.122(b).
         Sec. 63A.03.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSE. An out-of-state
  brewery direct shipper's license may only be issued to a person who:
               (1)  does not hold a brewer's license in the State of
  Texas;
               (2)  operates a brewery located in the United States
  and holds all state and federal permits necessary to operate the
  brewery;
               (3)  holds a Texas sales tax permit;
               (4)  expressly submits to personal jurisdiction in
  Texas state and federal courts and expressly submits to venue in
  Travis County, Texas, as proper venue for any proceedings that may
  be initiated by or against the commission; and
               (5)  does not directly or indirectly have any financial
  interest in a Texas wholesaler or retailer as those terms are used
  in Section 102.01.
         Sec. 63A.04.  IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) All malt
  beverages sold or shipped by the holder of an out-of-state brewery
  direct shipper's license must be in a package that is clearly and
  conspicuously labeled showing that:
               (1)  the package contains malt beverages; and
               (2)  the package may only be delivered to a person
  described by Subsection (b).
         (b)  Malt beverages sold or shipped by a holder of an
  out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license may not be delivered
  to any person other than:
               (1)  the person who purchased the malt beverages;
               (2)  a recipient designated in advance by the
  purchaser; or
               (3)  a person at the delivery address who is 21 years of
  age or older.
         (c)  Malt beverages may be delivered only to a person who is
  21 years of age or older and only after the person accepting the
  package:
               (1)  presents valid proof of identity and age; and
               (2)  personally signs a receipt acknowledging delivery
  of the package.
         Sec. 63A.05.  REPORTS AND RECORDKEEPING. (a) The holder of
  an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license shall maintain
  records of all sales and deliveries made under the license.
         (b)  The holder of an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's
  license shall maintain complete sales and delivery records for all
  sales and deliveries made under the license for at least five years
  from the date of sale. These records shall be made available on
  request for inspection by the commission or any other appropriate
  state agency.
         (c)  The commission shall establish rules requiring the
  holder of an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license to
  periodically file reports providing the commission with such
  information as the commission may determine is needed to more
  efficiently and effectively enforce the state laws applicable to
  the license holder.
         Sec. 63A.06.  LIABILITY FOR AND PAYMENT OF TAXES. (a) Sales
  made by the holder of an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's
  license shall be considered to have been made in the State of Texas
  for delivery in the State of Texas.
         (b)  The holder of an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's
  license shall be responsible for paying the following state taxes
  related to sales and deliveries made under this chapter:
               (1)  excise taxes on the malt beverages sold, payable
  at the same rate and in the same manner as if the licensee were a
  Texas brewer located in Texas; and
               (2)  state sales and use taxes all payable at the same
  rate and in the same manner as if the licensee were a Texas brewer
  located in Texas.
         (c)  An ultimate consumer who purchases malt beverages from
  the holder of an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license
  under this chapter shall be considered to be purchasing the malt
  beverages from a Texas licensee and shall not be charged the
  administrative fee for personal imports set forth in Section
  107.07.
         Sec. 63A.07.  RESALE PROHIBITED. A consumer purchasing malt
  beverages from the holder of an out-of-state brewery direct
  shipper's license may not resell the malt beverages, and any such
  malt beverage that is resold is an illicit beverage.
         Sec. 63A.08.  DELIVERY AREAS. Malt beverages shipped under
  this chapter may be delivered to persons located in a dry area.
         Sec. 63A.09.  LABEL APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED. If the holder of
  an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's license has satisfied all
  federal label approval requirements for a particular brand of malt
  beverages, then no further label approval shall be required by the
  commission.
         Sec. 63A.10.  RULES. The commission shall adopt rules and
  forms necessary to implement this chapter.
         Sec. 63A.11.  PENALTY FOR SHIPPING WITHOUT LICENSE. Any
  person who does not hold an out-of-state brewery direct shipper's
  license who sells and ships alcohol from outside of Texas to an
  ultimate consumer in Texas commits on first offense a Class B
  misdemeanor, on second offense a Class A misdemeanor, and on third
  offense a state jail felony.
         SECTION 13.  Chapter 74, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended
  by adding Section 74.12 to read as follows:
         Sec. 74.12.  DIRECT SHIPMENT TO CONSUMERS. (a) The holder
  of a brewpub license may ship to an ultimate consumer, including an
  ultimate consumer located in a dry area, malt beverages sold by the
  license holder to the ultimate consumer under Section 74.01(a)(2).
  Delivery must be by the holder of a carrier or consumer delivery
  permit.
         (b)  All malt beverages shipped to an ultimate consumer by
  the holder of a brewpub license must be in a package that is clearly
  and conspicuously labeled showing that:
               (1)  the package contains malt beverages; and
               (2)  the package may be delivered only to a person
  described by Subsection (c).
         (c)  Malt beverages shipped by the holder of a brewpub
  license may not be delivered to any person other than:
               (1)  the person who purchased the malt beverages;
               (2)  a recipient designated in advance by the
  purchaser; or
               (3)  a person at the delivery address who is 21 years of
  age or older.
         (d)  Malt beverages may be delivered only to a person who is
  21 years of age or older and only after the person accepting the
  package:
               (1)  presents valid proof of identity and age; and
               (2)  personally signs a receipt acknowledging delivery
  of the package.
         (e)  The holder of a brewpub license may not:
               (1)  sell or ship malt beverages to a minor; or
               (2)  deliver malt beverages to a consumer using a
  carrier that does not hold a carrier's permit or a consumer delivery
  permit under this code.
         SECTION 14.  Section 107.05(b), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  This section does not apply to the transportation of
  liquor into the state as authorized by Chapter 54A or Section 107.07
  [of this code].
         SECTION 15.  Section 14.05(d), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is
  repealed.
         SECTION 16.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
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