Committee hears split testimony on bill to allow alcohol sales at large municipal performing-arts and convention complexes

The House General Laws Committee on April 3 took testimony on Bill 4000, which would amend the state code to permit on-site alcohol sales at qualifying municipally owned performing-arts and convention complexes. Supporters said the measure would create parity for large public venues; opponents warned it would worsen alcohol-related harms.

Representative Mark Smith, identified in committee as the bills sponsor, said the proposal was largely tailored to add the Charleston Gaillard Center as an eligible municipally owned venue but would apply statewide to similarly sized facilities. "All we're doing is creating no matter what your position is on alcohol... let's just create an unfettered open fair marketplace," Smith said, arguing the change would help facilities that need new…