Senate panel advances measure allowing strong beer at festivals, children with adults in liquor storeshttps://www.tulsaworld.com/news/senate-panel-advances-measure-allowing-strong-beer-at-festivals-children/article_c535a038-5874-505b-9d13-618166f4570f.html?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=NEWS%20-%20Morning%20HeadlinesActive%20Subscribers&utm_campaign=Morning%20HeadlinesOKLAHOMA CITY — A Senate panel on Thursday advanced a number of alcohol modernization bills.
The bills head to the full Senate for consideration after securing passage in the Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee.
enate Bill 804 would allow patrons to purchase and carry beer during games on college campuses. Oklahoma’s switch to strong beer necessitated the measure, said Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City, the author of the bills.
In addition, it would allow municipalities to approve licenses for festivals to serve strong beer to patrons, she said.
Senate Bill 813 would allow vendors who provide a service to seek a complimentary beverage license to serve free spirits during the service. The limit would be two drinks, Bice said.
“For example, there may be a barber shop in Tulsa that caters to men and they may be offering, while cutting your hair or trimming your beard, a tasting of Scotch to enjoy while you are receiving your services,” Bice said.
Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, asked if the state would be giving up potential tax revenue because the beverages are not being sold and therefore not taxed.
Bice disagreed, saying vendors are already paying the taxes when they purchase the product.
Senate Bill 820 would allow children under 12 accompanied by an adult to enter a liquor store.
State Question 792 passed and allowed convenience and grocery stores to sell strong beer and wine. Children are allowed in those facilities.
Bice said the measure would create some parity for liquor stores, which are somewhat at a disadvantage because children are currently prohibited in the facilities.
Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, asked whether or not the bill would put an additional burden on the clerk to determine the child’s age.
Bice said the clerk could ask the adult to provide the age of the child.
The bill would allow counties to determine whether the child could accompany the adult, Bice said.
A House bill provides for the same thing without the county option, she said.