HARTFORD, CT (AP) -
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says he wants to modernize Connecticut's liquor laws with proposals to remove price restrictions requiring distributors to offer the same price to all retailers and establish Sunday liquor sales.
Removing the restrictions would give retailers more flexibility and reduce the retail price for consumers, Malloy says.
His proposals also would establish a statewide licensing system using medallions that set a maximum number of permits at the state level and allow owners to operate nine package stores, up from two currently permitted.
More package stores would promote increased competition and flexibility among store owners, he said. Currently, 1,222 package stores operate in Connecticut, according to the Department of Consumer Protection.
Malloy, who said some Connecticut laws regulating the sale of alcohol date to back to Prohibition, also will ask the legislature to allow booze to be sold on Sundays, certain holidays and on Mondays following Sunday holidays. Sunday sales are a perennial issue that has failed in the past, but is now part of a broader set of recommendations that Malloy says will help Connecticut stay competitive with neighboring states and benefit consumers.
"These laws are outdated and they artificially increase the price of alcohol to Connecticut consumers," the governor said as he unveiled his proposals in January.
Sunday sales also could boost business by 4 percent to 8 percent, generating between $6 million and $11 million in tax revenue, Malloy said.
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