Politics & Government

Connecticut Beer Pouch Bill Needs Final Approval

The proposal to allow certain malt liquors, including beer, to be sold in pouches cleared the legislature recently and awaits the governor's approval.

By Eileen McNamara

Connecticut consumers could soon be guzzling their favorite brew out of pouches if Gov. Dannel P. Malloy approves a bill to allow the sale of the so-called beer pouches. 

The pouches are similar to ones in which juices are sold and Connecticut is the last state in the nation to allow beer and other malt beverages, including the Smirnoff Ice brand of drinks, to be sold in the containers, according to the blog Capitol Watch. 

The Connecticut House in April approved the plan and last week the state Senate backed it as well. 

House Bill 6540 now heads to Malloy for his signature. It's not clear, however, whether the governor will sign the bill since the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection opposes it.

The DEEP argues that the pouches are not easily recycled because the plastic containers also are made from small amounts metal.


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