Alcoholic beverages; revise policy of state regarding prohibition of, revise certain provisions regarding delivery service permits.
What changed between versions
Changed the state's default policy from prohibition to legalization, allowing alcohol sales statewide unless a local jurisdiction votes to ban it.
Added extensive new definitions for specific terms like 'native wine,' 'native spirit,' 'craft spirit,' 'qualified resort area,' and 'campus' to clarify legal boundaries.
Created a long list of specific geographic locations, facilities, and municipalities that are automatically designated as 'qualified resort areas' where alcohol sales are permitted regardless of local dry laws.
Expanded eligibility for alcohol licenses to include specific types of venues such as cooking schools, art studios, spas, and certain event venues that meet strict square footage and revenue criteria.
Set a new effective date of January 1, 2027, for the legalization provisions, while maintaining existing dry laws until that date.
Revised the frequency of local elections on alcohol prohibition from every two years to every four years to reduce the burden on voters.
Added specific exemptions for native wines, native spirits, and craft spirits, which are generally legal for sale even in dry counties.
Updated penalties and forfeiture procedures for alcohol violations to align with the new legalization framework.