Conn. bill would allow pouches of malt beverages

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow malt beverages and beer to be sold in pliable pouches.

The state's liquor industry is pushing for the legislation, arguing that Connecticut is the only state that bans such packaging for malt-based products. Dwayne Kratt, senior director for government affairs at the North American headquarters of sprits company Diageo in Norwalk, said the same kind of packaging is used for many products such as sauces, juices and laundry detergents.

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection opposes the bill.

DEEP argues that such containers cannot be recycled and the legislation runs counter to the state's efforts to boost the rate of recycling and reuse in Connecticut.

The General Assembly's Environment Committee is scheduled vote Monday on the legislation.