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Committee votes to report repeal of takeout-drinks sunset (H.339) favorably
Summary
The Senate committee on Southern Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs voted to report H.339 — a bill to repeal the sunset on takeout alcoholic beverages — favorably by a 5-0 vote after members said available data showed no public-safety harms.
The Senate committee on Southern Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs voted 5-0 on May 6 to report H.339, a bill that would repeal the sunset on allowing takeout alcoholic drinks, sending the measure forward for further consideration.
Committee members told the panel they had reviewed post-enactment reports and found “no compelling data” indicating a public-safety problem tied to continuing the policy. “There have been, I think there was 1 incident that was very modest and, but we have, from what I can understand, no major concerns,” a committee member said during the meeting.
Why it matters: Repealing the sunset would make permanent a temporary allowance for to-go alcoholic drinks that had been authorized earlier. Proponents said continuing the policy removes regulatory uncertainty for businesses that rely on takeout alcohol sales.
Details of the committee action: A motion was made to report H.339 positively out of committee. The committee recorded five affirmative votes and no negative votes. Senators and members recorded on the roll included: Senator Brock (yes), Sarah Schindler (yes), Sarah Rahm Hinsdale (yes), Sarah Weeks (yes) and Senator Clarkson (reluctant yes). The motion was summarized in committee as “report H.339 positively.” No amendment or second was reported in the transcript. The committee chair indicated the motion passed by voice and roll call with a 5-0 tally.
Background and committee discussion: Committee members expressed mild apprehension about making the policy permanent but said available reporting since enactment did not show substantial harms. One member said they had “long supported” ending the prior prohibition and that the committee had asked for follow-up data when the measure originally passed; the committee member said that data did not show a public-safety problem. Several members made light comments about media attention and public commentary but did not identify new evidence altering the committee’s view.
Next steps: With the committee vote to report the bill favorably, H.339 moves to the next stage in the legislative process. The committee did not adopt any amendments during the May 6 session and did not place conditions on the report.
