C.S.H.B. 2593 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 2593
By: Homer
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The growth of the Texas wine industry continues to have a positive effect
on the state's economy. Removing local restrictions on the dispensing of
wine would lead to increased tourism and a greater economic benefit for
the state.  

CSHB 2593 would allow a winery authorized to operate in Texas to
manufacture and sell wine for consumption on or off winery premises or to
dispense wine without charge, for tasting purposes. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

The substitute amends Sections 16.01 (a) and (c), Alcoholic Beverage Code
to allow a winery to sell wine for consumption on the winery premises and
deletes language that prohibits a wine sampling from being held in a
location where a wine sampling is otherwise prohibited by law. 

The substitute adds a new Section 16.011 to Chapter 16, Alcoholic Beverage
Code which authorizes a winery permit to be issued for premises in dry
areas.  Provides that a winery may manufacture wine and sell or dispense
wine for consumption if the wine  is manufactured in Texas and contains at
least 75 percent by volume juice from grapes or other fruit grown in
Texas. 

The substitute also repeals sections 16.01(d) and 16.05, Alcoholic
Beverage Code. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

The date on which the constitutional amendment HJR 85 takes effect, if
that amendment is approved by the voters. If not approved by the voters,
this Act has no effect. 


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The substitute provides that a winery may manufacture wine in addition to
selling or dispensing wine for consumption.