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Senate panel reports out bill to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to serve alcohol, revise warning signs
Summary
The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee voted without objection to report Senate Bill 15 from committee; the bill would change who may serve or enter licensed alcohol premises, extend some theater service hours and require revised warning signs. Supporters told the committee the measure would help a tight hospitality labor market.
The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Jan. 27 voted without objection to report Senate Bill 15 from committee with individual recommendations and an attached zero fiscal note.
The bill, described in a staff recap as a package of changes to Alaska alcohol statutes, would allow individuals aged 18 to 20 to serve alcohol in some licensed establishments under supervision, permit people 16 and older to enter licensed premises for dining with safeguards, expand permitted alcohol service hours for theater licenses and require updated warning signs highlighting the risks of alcohol consumption.
The changes were summarized for the committee by Carrie Crocker, staff to Senator Merrick. Crocker said the measure aims to “promote responsible consumption, create job opportunities, and enhance public safety,” and that it also streamlines certain regulations for restaurants and seasonal venues.
Two business witnesses testified in support. Diane Thompson, president of the Alaska Hospitality Retailers Association and co‑owner of Fire Tap Ale House and Restaurant in South Anchorage, said the bill had passed both chambers last year but was vetoed after it reached the governor’s office late. Thompson said the state’s hospitality industry faces a labor shortage and that allowing 18- to 20‑year‑olds to serve would help employers. “There’s a very, big shortage of workforce, and we in our establishment get very few applications for servers or bartenders,” Thompson said.
David McCarthy, founder and chief executive of Northern Hospitality Group, said training requirements and existing policies guard against the risks some opponents raise. “Required TIPS training means employees of all ages now will be required education on alcohol consumption,” McCarthy said, and he argued the change would expand job opportunities for young adults and help employers fill shifts.
After public testimony, a committee member moved to report the bill from committee with individual recommendations and an attached zero fiscal note. The chair asked if there was any objection; the committee recorded none, and the motion carried. The committee asked members to remain after adjournment to sign paperwork.
The committee meeting opened at 1:31 p.m. and adjourned at 1:43 p.m. The committee noted it will meet again Wednesday for an overview from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
