Committee recommends Susan Wallace to Arizona State Liquor Board

The Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee voted 7–0 to recommend Susan Wallace to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Wallace appeared before the committee, described her background in education and more than two decades of hospitality and retail operations in Tombstone, Arizona, and answered members' questions about licensing and public-safety responsibilities.

Wallace told the committee, "I have a lifelong connection to Arizona," and said her experience in public education, small business operations, tourism and alcohol-related operations informed her approach: "If confirmed, I would bring a balanced and thoughtful perspective, grounded in real world experience, respect for the law, and a strong commitment to public service." She noted her current involvement as a small business owner, liquor license holder, volunteer member of the Tombstone Restoration Commission and president of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.

A presenter gave the committee an overview of the Arizona State Liquor Board's structure and qualifications, saying the board consists of seven members serving three-year terms and describing requirements that five members not be financially interested in licensed businesses, one member be a currently elected municipal official, and two members have current or prior engagement in the spirituous liquor industry, at least one of whom must be a retail licensee or employee. The presenter also identified Wallace as an appointee who would serve as a member with a financial interest in the industry.

A committee member raised a concern about entities that buy liquor licenses to block competitors, asking Wallace to comment on license-hoarding practices. Wallace said such matters would be "situational" and that she would need the full context around any specific purchase and placement before forming an opinion.

Don Isaacson, speaking for the Arizona Licensed Beverage Association, urged support for the nomination, saying Wallace had broad experience in hospitality and tourism and could make decisions that would "positively affect tourism." Isaacson said the association was "in whole support" of her appointment.

A committee member moved to recommend Wallace's confirmation to the full Senate. The committee recorded seven ayes, zero nay, and zero not voting. The committee's recommendation will be transmitted to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.

No formal amendments or conditions were attached to the recommendation; the committee adjourned with no further business.