SB 44

Under current law, with limited exceptions, no person may sell alcohol

beverages to a consumer unless the seller possesses a license or permit authorizing

the sale. A Class "A" license authorizes the retail sale of fermented malt beverages

(beer), in original packages, for consumption off the licensed premises. A "Class A"

license authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor, including wine, in original

packages, for consumption off the licensed premises. A retailer operating under a

Class "A" license may not sell beer between midnight and 8:00 a.m., although a

municipality may, by ordinance, impose more restrictive "closing hours" than these.

"Class A" retail premises may not remain open for the sale of intoxicating liquor

between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

This bill changes the morning closing hours for Class "A" and "Class A" retailers

from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., so that a Class "A" retailer may sell beer from 6:00 a.m.

until midnight unless the municipality in which it is located establishes more

restrictive closing hours, and a "Class A" retailer may sell intoxicating liquor from

6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.