Local leaders can allow take-home alcohol sales in specified areas

Specified local governing bodies can allow permits for take-home alcohol sales. This authority applies only to the resort areas named in Section 2. Examples include the town where Mississippi Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 11 intersect in a county crossed by Interstate 59, and 7127 U.S. Highway 98, Suites 20 and 30, in Lamar County. The governing body must approve an ordinance or resolution allowing the permits. Businesses must obtain permits and follow their rules. The law took effect July 1, 2026.

The law identifies towns and properties that qualify as resort areas under state alcohol rules. Examples include the community college campus and golf course on Old Highway 51 in Wesson, the restaurant at 9479 U.S. Highway 49 in Yazoo County, and about 13.483 acres at 13411 River Road in Jefferson County. Listed places do not need a separate resort-area declaration from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Businesses need permits to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption at their licensed locations, even where local voters have not approved alcohol sales. The law took effect July 1, 2026.

Local leaders can set sales hours, food-sales requirements, and business locations in specified resort areas. This authority covers only the towns, counties, and resort areas named in the paragraph following the resort-area list. Local leaders must adopt these rules through an ordinance. Food-sales rules can require a share of business revenue to come from preparing and serving meals rather than selling drinks. The law took effect July 1, 2026.