Self-pour tech is pro-jobs and pro-consumer
In a post-COVID world, Connecticut will be in desperate need of two things: places to socialize and locallyowned businesses that create jobs and boost the state’s economy.
With over 70 percent of Connecticut adults having already received at least one dose of the COVID vaccination, a return to normal seems to be on the horizon. Even so, the state’s economy has yet to bounce back from the pandemic, with it ranking as the thirdworst state when it comes to unemployment recovery.
To fully recover, we will need fresh and creative ideas that restore the economy and ensure that we don’t lose business to surrounding states. With craft breweries and wineries booming across the state, one way to do this is to utilize innovative selfpour technology.
Here’s how it works: When a patron of legal drinking age arrives, they’ll set up a tab with a host and receive a radio-frequency identification (RFID) bracelet or card.
By tapping the RFID device on an iPad-style screen behind each tap, the customer can choose to dispense as much or as little of whatever beverage they want.
Tasting information on each drink will show on the touch screen, and if a customer has any additional questions, they can check in with a knowledgeable staff member.
The customer is buying by the ounce, allowing consumers to sample beverage options before committing to a whole pint.
This technology has safety measures in place, too. Because guests must automatically check in with an ID to receive an RFID device, it inherently prohibits underage drinking. It also limits customers to 32 ounces, at which point a staff member will check in.
This technology would boost our state’s economic competitiveness, empower and protect consumers, and increase revenue in local communities. Despite that, Connecticut is 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 I’m asking fellow Nutmeggers to voice their support for Senate Bill 265. If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, this bill would allow restaurants, bars, breweries, and more to utilize automated self-pour systems.
Given its potential to create jobs, grow local businesses, and increase revenue in the state, Senate Bill 265 and self-pour technology win for Connecticut.