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Senator seeks law to permit self‑pour tap systems at licensed venues
Summary
Senate Bill 79 would explicitly allow liquor licensees to use self‑serve automated tap systems that track pours via RFID wristbands or other meters. Proponents said the technology can speed service and ease workforce pressure; lawmakers and the commission emphasized safeguards for intoxication control.
Senate Bill 79 would enable licensed liquor establishments to use self‑serve automated dispensing systems — for example, walls of taps that customers activate with RFID wristbands tied to a payment account.
Senator Tim Lang, the bill’s sponsor, said he saw the technology at a Wisconsin venue and the approach allowed customers to sample beers in small measures, pay only for what they poured and free staff time for other service. "They swipe your credit card and then they allow you to self pour your own drinks," Lang told the committee.
Supporters, including some in the hospitality industry, said the systems can speed service and reduce staffing pressure; the technology also allows staff to cut off an RFID wristband if a patron appears intoxicated or if a server detects over‑service. "They sent a server over to my table and make sure nobody else was intoxicated at my table before they turned my wristband back on," Lang said of his demonstration visit.
Lawmakers asked about operational details such as measurement, monitoring and liability. The Liquor Commission did not oppose the concept generally but noted the need to keep an employee monitoring the system and to ensure licensees can meet existing responsibilities to prevent service to intoxicated persons.
The committee closed the public hearing and said it will refer the bill to a subcommittee where regulators and industry representatives can align technical standards and public‑safety requirements.
