FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar. 30, 2023
Contact: Hayden Hinchey
hhinchey@saxum.com
Oklahoma Beer and Alcohol Legislation Updates
OKLAHOMA CITY — Following the March 23 chamber of origin deadline, the Oklahoma Beer Alliance is sharing an update on several bills moving forward this legislative session to support the state’s robust beverage industry.
“We’re encouraged to see the forward momentum of several pieces of legislation with a direct impact on Oklahoma’s beverage industry, many of which increase opportunities for Oklahoma business owners and distributors,” said Lisette Barnes, president of the Oklahoma Beer Alliance. “The Oklahoma Beer Alliance and our distributors are thankful for the ongoing support and hard work of our state legislators to ensure the continued modernization of the beverage industry. Together, we can implement policies that have a positive economic impact for employers, businesses and Oklahomans alike.”
- House Bill 1392 authored by Rep. Bashore and Sen. Coleman has advanced to the Senate. This bill would allow Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission licensees to sell “buckets of beer” containing up to six bottles or cans of beer in a reusable container to one individual for on-premise consumption at a time.
- House Bill 2178 authored by Rep. Lowe and Sen. Paxton has advanced to the Senate. The bill would allow wineries and small brewers to serve free samples of and sell Oklahoma-manufactured products mixed with nonalcoholic products at public events.
- House Bill 2843 authored by Rep. Caldwell and Sen. Seifried is headed to the Senate. This bill would clean up the existing statute related to the storage of beverages and other related goods by beer distributors, authorize the ABLE Commission to issue warnings or fines for the violation of discriminating between wholesalers or retailers, allow individualized serving and delivery schedules for retailers based on actual needs and sales volume, and add clarification around the registration of brand labels.
- Senate Bill 809 authored by Sen. Coleman and Rep. McEntire passed out of the Senate and is now being considered by the House of Representatives. The bill would change the age of an employee allowed to deliver sealed alcoholic beverages from 21 years old to 18 years old and provide additional clarification surrounding cocktails to-go.
As the 2023 legislative session continues, the Oklahoma Beer Alliance will continue to work hard to advocate for better alcohol laws in the state for Oklahomans and businesses.
About Oklahoma Beer Alliance
The Oklahoma Beer Alliance is dedicated to promoting common sense laws that enable Oklahomans to choose the highest quality products without compromise, while encouraging personal responsibility throughout our community that benefits the common good. For more information, please visit okbeeralliance.com.
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