New alcohol public‑consumption authorizations proposed under HB 1515: outdoor service, civic campus, fan zone

Daniel Jacobs previewed a CR102 package to implement 2nd substitute House Bill 1515 (referred to as 15‑15), which expands permissible public alcohol consumption in defined areas set by local jurisdictions. He said the bill creates three new authorizations called Expanded Outdoor Alcohol Service, Civic Campus, and Fan Zone and that staff will request approval of rule changes and new rules to implement those authorizations.

Jacobs described key features: Expanded Outdoor Alcohol Service allows a jurisdiction to define specific outdoor areas where patrons may accompany to‑go drinks from participating licensees; the Civic Campus authorization applies to cities with populations greater than 220,000 and permits up to 25 Civic Campus events per year under a joint operating plan; and the Fan Zone authorization applies to designated World Cup fan zones in June–July 2026 for a single event. Jacobs announced a public hearing for the draft rule language on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m., and said staff anticipate returning to the board in early 2026 to finalize rule language if no substantial changes are required after the hearing.

Jacobs also noted the authorizations expire by statute at the ends of their defined terms — notably the Fan Zone authorization expires in July 2026 after the World Cup — and stressed jurisdictions must submit operating plans that address barrier placement, over‑service prevention and protections for underage individuals.