By Abhin Sheth, Spokesperson – Advisory Committee, Indian American Package Store Association
The Indian American Package Store Association of Connecticut (IAPSACT) is proud to continue its advocacy at the State Capitol on issues affecting alcoholic beverage sales from package stores across the state.
The association’s membership—comprised of package store owners, most of whom are first- and second-generation immigrants—has grown to more than 300 members. Our member stores span the four corners of Connecticut, from Winchester to Putnam and from Greenwich to North Stonington, and every city in between.
As all of us in the liquor industry can attest, it is the relationships we develop over our 70- to 80-hour workweeks spent with customers, delivery drivers, wholesalers, and regional representatives of suppliers that make the sweat equity we apply even more rewarding.
Many from the Indian American community have found these relationships contribute to our continued growth in Connecticut and to realizing the American dream. Our relationships and advocacy at the State Capitol also contribute to our membership growth and recognition with state policymakers.
We continue to work together with our allies in the liquor industry, including the Connecticut Package Stores Association, Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of Connecticut, Connecticut Beer Distributors, and others, to develop messages that resonate with our customers and policymakers.
Due in large part to the advocacy of the liquor industry, we did not have to fight a bill this year that would allow for the sale of wine in grocery stores. Although the issue remains our biggest fight, it is one reason to continue our collective advocacy.
Some of the issues considered this year include a bill that would have imposed a tax on certain sweetened beverages, syrups, and powders—including alcoholic beverages or syrups—dedicating that tax to a free school meals program for all public school students.
However, before the bill died, it was stripped of the tax and changed to a study to find different options to fund a universal free school meals program, eliminating the tax on sweetened beverages completely.
Additionally, THC levels in infused beverages sold in package stores were increased from 3 mg to 5 mg. The THC level for infused beverages sold in dispensaries was increased to 10 mg.
The association, along with our allies, has been urging the Department of Consumer Protection to investigate the sale of beer in gas stations.
The sale of beer in gas stations has been a growing concern recognized by the department. Gas stations have found loopholes in the grocery beer permit to sell beer. Due to our combined efforts and background information, the General Law Committee introduced legislation to study issues concerning grocery store beer permits.
The study would have included the feasibility of establishing a per capita cap on the number of grocery store beer permits that may be issued within a municipality, and the criteria applied to assess eligibility for a grocery store beer permit. Despite our efforts, the bill did not receive a vote in the House or Senate and ultimately died. We will continue our efforts to have the issue revisited.
The Indian American Package Store Association knows that our work will never be done, and we appreciate the support from our liquor industry allies and members of the General Assembly.
Find out more about any of these issues and the benefits of membership at iapsact.org.
