HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 1278

Brief Description:  Concerning the labeling of malt liquor packages.

Sponsors:  Representatives K. Schmidt, Hatfield, Mitchell, Pennington, Scott, Mielke, Cody Honeyford and Delvin

                  Hearing:  February 6, 1997

BACKGROUND:

Labels that appear on bottled malt liquor products must have federal approval and must meet certain state requirements.  State law requires the label to identify the contents, the name of the manufacturer, and the place of manufacture.  Bottles containing malt liquor beverages must use the term beer, ale, malt liquor, stout, or porter. 

The term Amalt beverage@ or Amalt liquor@ includes beer, ale, and lager beer.  There is no authority to use the term Alager@ for labeling purposes or in connection with other malt beverages such as ales.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

The term Alager@ may appear on labels of malt liquor products.  The term includes all currently identified malt beverages such as beer, ale, lager beer, stout and porter.

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.