Liquor authority could approve some licenses near existing businesses

The liquor authority may approve certain alcohol licenses near other licensed businesses. This applies to specified alcohol licenses in a county with 1.6 million to 1.7 million residents in the 2020 census, when the proposed location is within 500 feet of the specified number of existing licensed businesses. The authority must consult the municipality or community board and find that issuing the license would serve the public interest. The authority must hold a hearing, notify the applicant and local body, and explain its reasons. It may also hold a public meeting. These provisions would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

The liquor authority may extend temporary retail permits for additional 90-day periods. This applies to holders of temporary retail permits. The authority may grant an initial extension for a $64 fee for retail beer permits or a $96 fee for other temporary permits, if the holder meets the section's conditions. The authority may grant further extensions for the appropriate fee. Temporary permit holders are subject to the rules on overdue alcohol payments. These provisions would take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law.

Retailers with on-premises licenses may apply for a permit to serve alcohol early on January 1. This applies to licensed businesses serving alcohol for customers to drink at the premises. The permit would allow service from 4 a.m., or the hour when on-premises alcohol sales must stop in that community, until 8 a.m. The fee is $51 per day. This provision would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.