House approves automatic beer, wine dispensers

State Rep. David Arconti Jr., D-Danbury State Rep. David Arconti Jr., D-Danbury Photo: Autumn Driscoll / Autumn Driscoll Buy photo Photo: Autumn Driscoll / Autumn Driscoll Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close House approves automatic beer, wine dispensers 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

HARTFORD — Legislation that would let bars and restaurants install machines to dispense beer and wine by the glass was overwhelmingly approved Wednesday in the House of Representatives.

Aimed at helping Connecticut’s craft-beer industry, the bill, approved in a bipartisan 129-19 vote, next moves to the Senate. It would allow the state to join dozens of others that allow the machines, which allow patrons to insert temporary ID cards or bracelets, allowing up to 32 ounces of beer or 10 ounces of wine during a visit.

Lawmakers led by Rep. David Arconti, D-Danbury, said that the machines would help beer brewers by allowing smaller measurements of drinks, so patrons can taste test. He and Rep. Bob Godfrey, D-Danbury, said they introduced the bill at the request of Danbury businesses.

“The patron pays by the ounce and each card is limited to one drink,” Arconti said during the afternoon debate on the House floor. “The card will shut off when those numbers reached. This technology gives more local brewers and vintners exposure that is great for our small businesses.”

kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT

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