Date:    January 31, 2023

To:       General Law Committee

From:   Jeff Shaw, Senior Public Policy Advisor, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance (The Alliance)

Re:       H.B. 5431 An Act Concerning Temporary Liquor Permits For Nonprofit Entities And Liquor Donations.

Good afternoon Senator Maroney, Representative D’Agostino, Senator Cicarella, Representative Rutigliano and distinguished members of the General Law Committee:

My name is Jeff Shaw, Senior Public Policy Advisor at the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance (The Alliance). The Alliance is the statewide association representing community nonprofits. Community nonprofits provide essential services to over half a million individuals and families in Connecticut every year and employ 115,000 Connecticut workers, improving the quality of life in communities across the State.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on H.B. 5431 An Act Concerning Temporary Liquor Permits For Nonprofit Entities And Liquor Donations. The Alliance supports HB-5431, which would streamline the application process for hosting fund-raising events serving alcohol as well as encourage in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations.

The first section of the bill would modify the process for nonprofit organizations seeking temporary liquor permits for events, such as fund-raisers, a critical source of revenue for many community nonprofits. The second section of the bill would allow wholesalers to donate limited quantities of alcoholic beverages for such events, which can be costly for hosting organizations.

Many nonprofit organizations had to cancel fund-raising events or major galas during the height of the pandemic and as a result, lost critical revenue through ticket sales, event activities (such as silent auctions) and donations. This proposal would lessen the costs for nonprofits hosting fund-raising events and encourages partnerships with wholesalers, a win-win for both groups.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this proposal.