BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 1763
By: Brimer
4-19-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code currently provides that brewpub
licensees may dispense their beer only for on-premise consumption. 
A problem arises with regard to organized beer competitions.  For
instance, the "Super Bowl" of beer competitions is the Great
American Beer Festival held annually in Denver, which last year
featured over 230 breweries. Under strict interpretation of current
law, it would be illegal for a Texas brewery to enter this
competition.


PURPOSE

HB 1763 would allow Texas brewpubs to enter a product in an
organized competition, review, or judging.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION  1.  Amends Section 74.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code.  Adds 
Subsection (g) which would allow the holder of a brewpub license to
deliver malt liquor, ale, or beer, to a location other than the
permit holder's premises for the purpose of an organized malt
liquor, ale, or beer tasting competition.

SECTION  2.   Emergency Clause; act effective upon passage. 

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 1763 was heard in a Public Hearing on April 19, 1995.  The Chair
recognized the following person to testify in favor of the bill:
     Mr. L. Kelly Jones, Hubcap Brewery and Kitchen;
Rep. Yarbrough moved that the full committee adopt HB 1763 and that
it be reported favorably to the full House with the recommendation
that it do pass and be printed.  The motion prevailed by the
following vote:  AYES: 8, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 1.  Rep. Brimer moved
that HB 1763 be placed on the Local and Consent Calendar by the
vote which HB 1763 had been favorably approved.  There was no
objection.