Tracking the booze-bill bonanza

Legislatures are back in session at dozens of statehouses across the country, so for the next couple months at least, I’m tracking news about booze-related bills under deliberation in halls of power across these United States. This new feature is called Lobby Time, and it’s the best way to keep your finger (ahem) on the legislative pulse while statehouses are in session. Lobby Time appears each Sunday in the paid-only Fingers Weekender, which is packed with punchy, informed takes on the latest beverage-alcohol industry news.

Stay up-to-date on all the legislative and regulatory harrumphing going down nationwide, upgrade now:

Here are just a few of the bills I’ve covered so far this year:

• In Hawai’i, the governor says opponents to drunk-driving reforms “deserve a place in hell.”

• In Alabama, lawmakers are gearing up for a fight over spirits-based RTDs in the beer cooler.

• In New Mexico, lawmakers are running back last year’s kiboshed drink tax.

• In South Carolina, booze retailers claim their insurance mandate is a magnet for Murdaugh-style litigation.

If you’re in the booze business, or have clients who are, or are just a freak like me who’s fascinated in how laws get made about the production, distribution, and sale of beer, wine, and spirits, you won’t want to miss Lobby Time. So, y’know, don’t:

As a one-man publication with no ads, Fingers counts on reader support to produce this coverage. When you buy a subscription, not only do you get all my reporting on the business and culture of booze—you also get the warm and fuzzy feeling of funding independent media. And of course, Lobby Time, too. Hope to see you on the other side of the paywall!—Dave.