Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby declares that it is in the public interest that fermented malt beverages and wine for consumption off the premises of the licensee, fermented malt beverages for consumption on the premises of the licensee, and fermented malt beverages for consumption both on and off the premises of the licensee shall be sold at retail only by persons licensed as provided in this title 44. The general assembly further declares that it is lawful to sell fermented malt beverages and wine at retail subject to this article 4 and applicable provisions of articles 3 and 5 of this title 44. (2) The general assembly further recognizes that fermented malt beverages and malt liquors are separate and distinct from, and have a unique regulatory history in relation to, vinous and spirituous liquors; however, maintaining a separate regulatory framework and licensing structure for fermented malt beverages and fermented malt beverages and wine under this article 4 is no longer necessary except at the retail level. Furthermore, to aid administrative efficiency, article 3 of this title 44 applies to the regulation of fermented malt beverages and fermented malt beverages and wine, except when otherwise expressly provided for in this article 4.