(1) The general assembly hereby declares that it is in the public interest that fermented malt beverages shall be sold at retail only by persons licensed as provided in this article 4. The general assembly further declares that it is lawful to sell fermented malt beverages at retail subject to this article 4 and applicable provisions of articles 3 and 5 of this title 44.
(2) The general assembly further recognizes that fermented malt beverages and malt liquors are separate and distinct from, and have a unique regulatory history in relation to, vinous and spirituous liquors; however, maintaining a separate regulatory framework and licensing structure for fermented malt beverages under this article 4 is no longer necessary except at the retail level. Furthermore, to aid administrative efficiency, article 3 of this title 44 applies to the regulation of fermented malt beverages, except when otherwise expressly provided for in this article 4.
Source: L. 2018: Entire article added with relocations, (HB 18-1025), ch. 152, p. 1067, § 2, effective October 1. L. 2019: Entire section amended, (SB 19-011), ch. 1, p. 1, § 1, effective January 31.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-46-102 as it existed prior to 2018.