THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	159
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to alcohol.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Section 244D-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending the definition of "beer" to read as follows:

""Beer" means any alcoholic beverage containing no less than 0.5 per cent alcohol by volume obtained by the fermentation or any infusion or decoction of [barley,] malt, [hops, or any other similar product, or any combination thereof in water, and] wholly or in part, or any substitute therefor, including grain of any kind, bran, glucose, sugar, or molasses. "Beer" includes ale, porter, brown, stout, lager beer, small beer, [and] strong beer [but], and alcoholic seltzer beverages. "Beer" does not include sake, known as Japanese rice wine, [or] cooler beverage[.], or a product of distillation, by whatever name known, that contains distilled spirits, alcoholic spirits, or spirits."

SECTION 2. Section 281-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending the definition of "beer" to read as follows:

""Beer" means any alcoholic beverage containing no less than 0.5 per cent alcohol by volume obtained by the [alcoholic] fermentation of any infusion or decoction of [barley or other grain,] malt, [and hops in water.] wholly or in part, or any substitute therefor, including grain of any kind, bran, glucose, sugar, or molasses. "Beer" includes ale, porter, brown, stout, lager beer, small beer, strong beer, and alcoholic seltzer beverages. "Beer" does not include sake, known as Japanese rice wine, cooler beverage, or a product of distillation, by whatever name known, that contains distilled spirits, alcoholic spirits, or spirits."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Alcohol; Beer; Liquor Tax; Liquor Law; Definition

Description:

Expands the definition of "beer" under the State's liquor tax and liquor regulatory laws, to specify that the term includes an alcohol by volume of no less than 0.5 per cent and alcohol seltzer beverages, but excludes certain other forms of distillation.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.