Senate committee advances bill allowing retailers to offer alcohol coupons, doubles in‑store tastings; passes 9‑5

The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee voted 9‑5 to advance Senate Bill 86, a measure that would allow retail stores to offer coupons and increase in‑store alcohol tastings from once weekly to as many as twice weekly.

The bill’s sponsor told the committee the measure removes a current restriction that prevents retailers from offering coupons on alcohol, adds language requested by the Department of Revenue about taxation, and includes a safeguard prohibiting discounts below the price the retailer paid for the product.

Why it matters: Supporters say SB86 can help consumers save money and give smaller producers greater visibility during tastings. Opponents, including public‑health and faith‑based witnesses, argued the bill would make alcohol more available and thereby increase consumption and harm.

Dr. Robert Brewer, a physician and retired U.S. Public Health Service officer who formerly directed the alcohol program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified against the bill. He told the committee that excessive drinking is a major public‑health problem in Georgia, that alcohol consumption is sensitive to price, and that reducing price will raise consumption. "Alcohol is not an ordinary commodity, and it shouldn't be treated as such," Dr. Brewer said.

Mike Griffin, a public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, also opposed the bill, saying increased availability and convenience lead to higher sales and greater risk to communities. "Availability equals sales. Sales equals consumption, and consumption equals potential problems," Griffin said.

Supporters noted the bill includes protections: it explicitly bars discounts below retailer cost and incorporates Department of Revenue language on taxation. Committee discussion also touched on practical questions about which retailers would use coupons (grocery stores generally lack liquor licenses), the effect of bulk purchasing by national chains, and whether the measure would give larger chains an advantage over small package stores.

A committee member moved "do pass on LC550515S"; the motion was seconded. The roll call by hand count produced nine votes in favor and five opposed. The chair announced the bill passes the committee and will move to the Senate rules committee for further consideration.

What’s next: The committee advanced SB86 to the rules calendar; sponsors said they may continue to refine technical language, including the Department of Revenue provisions, before floor consideration.