Summary

Sponsor: Bullard
Topic: Liquor

The bill provides for additional resort liquor licenses in 1999 and 2000.

Ten additional resort and specially-designated distributor licenses per year may be issued by the Liquor Control Commission to establishments whose business and operation is related to tourism and whose primary purpose is not the sale of alcoholic liquor. The bill adds an additional capital investment requirement of $75,000 for such businesses. The Commission is required to issue one license each year to an applicant located in a rural area that has a poverty rate greater than the statewide average or that is located in an area with an unemployment rate higher than the statewide average for 3 of the 5 preceding years.

The bill also allows the Commission to issue an additional 20 resort economic development licenses per year for 1999 and 2000. The language relating to the 25 resort licenses authorized for 1998, and for which an extension of time was granted until July 1, 1999, is deleted. An establishment granted one of these licenses must not allow or permit casino gambling on the premises.