Senate finance committee advances bill to modernize alcohol licenses and raise fees

The Senate Finance Committee reported committee substitute for Senate Bill 1065 to the full Senate after a voice vote, advancing a broad overhaul of the state’s alcohol licensing and fee structure.

Counsel summarized the measure as a modernization of the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission’s licensing system that collapses multiple subcategories, updates Class A and Class B license types and raises numerous fees. Counsel said the bill would permit new private-license categories for venues such as private sports venues and private accommodations, authorize wine clubs, and streamline wine- and beer-retailer classifications.

The bill also contains miscellaneous provisions to ease event permitting and product handling: it would allow up to six ‘‘floor plan extension’’ events without additional cost and then charge $50 for each subsequent event; allow an 85%‑of‑cost sale of long‑stored inventory characterized in counsel’s explanation as ‘‘stagnant’’ alcohol products; and permit use of pedal‑bike events in a private outdoor designated area (PODA) with municipal and commissioner approval and strict rules about open containers, glass containers and operator sobriety.

Counsel reported a fiscal note received that day estimating anticipated revenue of $1,843,035, implementation costs of $756,500 and a net first‑year revenue of $1,086,535.

During committee consideration no amendments were offered. The vice chairman moved to report the committee substitute to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass; the motion carried by voice vote and the measure was reported.

What’s next: Senate Bill 1065 will be scheduled for consideration by the full Senate; the committee record shows the bill carries a fiscal estimate that legislative staff said was received on the day of the committee meeting.