Pour-Your-Own Cocktail Passes Legislature–How the Technology Works

Considering the adequate fluid ounces taking a deep dive at the State Capitol, this legislation makes perfect sense.

News release from Tapville Mobile:

Today, a half-decade fight to legalize self-pour alcohol machine use in the Nutmeg State is one step closer to a happy ending.

After midnight, the state’s House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill (SB 894), which the state Senate recently passed, allowing self-pour alcohol machines to be used in bars, restaurants and breweries statewide.

Mike Gallop, the owner of a Tapville Mobile Taproom franchised in Brookfield, noted that currently, Connecticut is only one of just five states–and one of the only states east of the Mississippi River–that prohibits the use of self pour technology. That’s why the House and Senate passing this bill, and Governor Lamont hopefully signing it into law, is so important.

“We’re one step closer to making safe, job-creating self-pour technology use in Connecticut a new normal,” said Gallop. “Thanks to the state Senate and House members for supporting this long-overdue measure that makes the Nutmeg State more economically competitive, creates jobs, and generates tax revenue. I hope that Governor Lamont joins the legislature in supporting this measure by signing Senate Bill 894 into law.”

Gallop also specifically thanked State Senator James Maroney, State Representative Mike D’Agostino, State Senator Kevin Witkos, State Representative David Arconti, and State Representative Dave Rutigliano for their steadfast leadership in getting the bill over the finish line.

Here’s how self-pour technology works:

— Upon arrival at an establishment, a 21 years-of-age-or-older consumer will check in with a host or hostess and open a tab.

— Then, the patron will get a Radio-frequency identification (RFID) bracelet or card. By tapping it on an iPad-style screen behind each tap, the consumer will access their account and allow the system to monitor their pour.

— The consumer can draw precisely the amount they want–a full glass, just a sip, or a flight, up to sixteen ounces–and charge by the ounce. If a patron is confused by the proper way to draw a tap, there’s a screen carefully explaining how to use it properly.

— Also, even though the consumer is controlling the pour, they’re not on their own. Tasting notes appear on each screen for those who like to educate themselves; those who would rather talk their way through a solution can ask well-versed staffers.

— Staff members frequently check in with guests, and a mandatory check-in occurs after a patron has consumed 32 ounces to ensure safety, much like bartenders monitoring over-poured guests.

“This job-creating, tax revenue-generating, customer-centric technology will play a pivotal role in the future of fast-casual,” said Gallop. “I hope legislators agree that it’s the right time for Connecticut to join the party safely and responsibly.”

The three main benefits of self-pour technology for the Nutmeg State are as follows:

1. Bolsters our state’s economic competitiveness. Self-serve technology is operating in over 340 locations nationwide. The technology is currently legal and available in 45 states nationwide, including Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Maine.

2. Empowers and protects consumers. Instead of committing to a full glass of something that they may not like, self-pour technology allows consumers to taste–and only pay for–what they pour. And, self-pour technology protects consumers by enhancing public safety. Self-pour technology objectively and automatically discontinues service to a patron upon reaching 32 ounces of beer or 10 ounces of wine. These mandated limits, in most cases, are stricter and more regulated than traditional bar service.

3. Promotes investment in our communities and their futures. Once the use of self-pour technology is allowed in our state, allowing self-pour technology will bring in at least tens of thousands of dollars in new revenue. Since the average user of self-pour technology is 32 years old, the future for this technology looks bright.

The next step for Senate Bill 894 is for Governor Lamont to sign it into law.

About Tapville Mobile
Tapville Franchising, Inc. “Tapville” is a franchisor of the restaurant, kiosks, and mobile units specializing in self-pour and self-service technology. Tapville offers franchises for brick & mortar, retail, travel, and entertainment segments. Tapville is headquartered in Naperville, IL.

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10 comments

  1. What a surprise? NOT
    State Rep David Rutlgliano, enemy of the working stiff, enemy of an increase in the minimum wage for his underpaid employees at Sitting Duck, etc. supporting a bill to make his spirits self serve and increase his profits even more when cutting his wage bill.
    Rutigliano has not ily opposed increases in Ct minimum wage, but testified in front of Congress representing the Restaurant industry to keep a national slave wage of $2.13 hr for tipped workers.

    How many Tens of thousands of dollars did Rutigliano get in PPP finds and will they be forgiven instead of turned into loans?

    I don’t buy the BS in the article about creating jobs, this cuts back on the number of bartenders and servers needed in an establishment. All we need is a cashier/scorekeeper to take your info and issue the electronic bracelet.

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  2. Well: Another brilliant session of accomplishment for the Connecticut GA coming to a close! What a session! One for the records, jammed full of economy-rescuing legislation that will put Connecticut back on top again, with the show-piece economic development bill being the Self-serve bill that will surely create thousands of living-wage jobs (for cops, medical personnel, and undertakers) even as it dovetails with the huge beneficial effects of legalized recreational marijuana in CT… (I can see Rep. Comey hoisting a few to celebrate the passage of HB 694 next Wednesday night — maybe even clinking glasses with Speaker Ritter as they wink at each other…)

    Now all that we need is an “After-hours” bill that will legalize the 100+ residential, church-basement, and social-club, rental-space speak-easies in Bridgeport, operated by, and for drug gangs, providing just about anything a local or suburbanite might care to illegally imbibe in just about anytime during the day or night — and providing hundreds of bouncer, lookout, and server jobs for otherwise unemployable Bridgeporters…

    Cheers!

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    1. Well said Jeff! They’re continuing to build that road to perfection! Oh wait, no, that’ll be in the “infrastructure” bill!!!!!
      Cheers!

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  3. Dam Marshall,why so angry?,it’s a self serve beer machine for God’s sake,it’s not the end of the world..And I would bet,other than a handful of local,small breweries,you will be hard pressed to even find a bar with one.
    And as far as Rutigliano,he’s a buisnessman,owns a bunch of restaurants,of course he is interested in lowering his operating cost when he could.If you were a State Rep,and something came up that would be advantageous to landlords who own investment properties in other cities,you would vote for it too..Sounds to me like you have a personal problem with Rutigliano..

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    1. @Harvey
      I have problems with my State Rep continually voting against a living wage for restaurant workers, his stand/votes on guns, asst. human rights issues, etc.

      He is too far right for my liking and I would love to see him defeated at the polls.

      None of these issues are personal problems with Dave, who is an affable guy and we greet each other cordially when our paths cross. I just don’t like his politics. 2020 has given me hope. Fir the first time since 1964 Trumbull went Democrat for President.

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  4. The entire experience of going to a bar and sitting down to have a couple beers , or a drink is enhanced by the personality of the bartender. Bartenders not only pour our drinks, but they also are that sympathetic ear at times, that answer to the trivia question, they settle disputes , they listen, they know our names, they know what we drink, they change the channel, know the scores, they keep us coming back because of the value they bring with personality, that cannot be replaced by a machine. Question? What happens when the machine malfunctions and a patron is over served? Cannot believe that this got passed. Its bizzaro world.

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