An Act returning liquor license control to municipalities

HD 289 transfers control over liquor license limits from the state to local municipalities. It removes state-imposed restrictions on the number of licenses cities and towns can issue, requiring municipalities to adopt their own plans for new licenses (approved by local governing bodies) starting January 1, 2018. The bill also makes licenses issued after July 1, 2016 non-transferable and mandates physical return of licenses when businesses close or sell. Municipalities must hold public hearings for license applications and new license plans, with oversight from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. This directly affects local governments, businesses seeking liquor licenses, and residents in communities managing alcohol sales.