AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

In Texas, the size of cider containers is set in statute. Cider is considered to be a light wine. Beer, which already has this container size, has experienced slight growth over the last five years but the volume of cider has grown by over 90 percent in the last year alone.

 

In recognition of the resurgence of cider in Texas, S.B. 1263 would permit one additional container size (15.5 gallons) to meet consumer demand and changing market conditions.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1263 amends current law relating to the maximum capacity of a container of wine sold to a retail dealer.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 101.45, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as follows:

 

Sec. 101.45. CONTAINERS OF WINE: MAXIMUM CAPACITY. Prohibits a person from selling wine to a retail dealer in a container with a capacity greater than 15.5 gallons, rather than eight gallons.

 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.