Bill > SB740

This bill modifies existing West Virginia law regarding the labeling of nonintoxicating beer and nonintoxicating craft beer containers. It clarifies that it is unlawful to use a label on beer containers that indicates it's made for a specific distributor or retailer, or to use a trademark or intellectual property other than that of a licensed brewer or manufacturer, unless that trademark or intellectual property has been officially released for use and this release, along with any associated value exchange, is provided to the commissioner, with certain privacy exemptions. Importantly, the bill creates an exception to allow brewers, resident brewers, or manufacturers to create private label nonintoxicating beer or nonintoxicating craft beer brands for purchase by Class A licensees (establishments licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption). These private labels can feature designs, pictures, or wording related to notable geographic locations, sporting events, commemorative events, or weddings, as long as they do not encourage excessive drinking or appeal to minors. Before being sold, any beer brand with a private label must be registered and approved by the commissioner, and these private label brands must be made available exclusively for a limited quantity purchase by the licensee, sold at the regular price without discounts, and cannot involve cross-promotion or the brewer providing anything of value to the licensee. Additionally, the production of these private label beers is capped at 1,000 cases annually, with all beer barrel taxes paid by the brewer, resident brewer, or manufacturer.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=740&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill