CCS HCS SCS SB 299 & SS SCS SB 616 -- LIQUOR CONTROL

This bill changes the laws regarding liquor control.  In its main
provisions, the bill:

(1)  States that the regulation of the sale and distribution of
alcohol beverages under Chapter 311, RSMo, achieves the state
policy goals of promoting responsible consumption, combating
underage drinking, and maintaining an orderly marketplace;

(2)  Updates state merchandising regulations to the current trade
practices to make them consistent with federal regulations,
addresses nonintoxicating beverages in the context of
merchandising practices, and establishes charges for late liquor
license renewals;

(3)  Allows distillers, wholesalers, winemakers, or brewers to
make monetary contributions to not-for-profit organizations for
special event infrastructure expenses under certain conditions;

(4)  Allows a tax-exempt entity located within a building
designated as a national historic landmark in a convention trade
area in Kansas City, North Kansas City, or Jackson County that
holds a license to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at
retail for consumption on the premises to stay open until 6:00
a.m. of the following day.  Currently, the establishment can stay
open until 3:00 a.m. of the following day;

(5)  Removes the expiration date of January 1, 2007, for
provisions allowing certain resorts licensed to sell intoxicating
liquor by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises in
Camden, Miller, and Morgan counties to remain open during the
week until 3:00 a.m.;

(6)  Authorizes a vintage wine solicitor license with a $500
annual fee;

(7)  Allows a licensed wine manufacturer from this state or any
other state to obtain a wine direct shipper license in order to
ship up to two cases of wine per month directly to a Missouri
resident older than 21 years of age for his or her personal use.
Wine manufacturers must use a licensed alcohol carrier as
specified in the bill when shipping the wine.  A retail alcohol
beverage licensee may ship up to two cases of wine annually to an
adult Missouri resident;

(8)  Authorizes certain licensed wine manufacturers who allow
consumption of wine on their premises to open on Sundays at 9:00
a.m. instead of 11:00 a.m.;

(9)  Allows wineries, distillers, manufacturers, wholesalers, or
brewers to provide samples for customer tasting purposes on any
temporary licensed retail premises or tax-exempt organization's
licensed premises, or off a licensed retail premises under
certain conditions; and

(10)  Authorizes a cause of action against any person who is the
proximate cause of an official action by the Division of Alcohol
and Tobacco Control within the Department of Public Safety
against a retail liquor licensee who is aggrieved by the official
action.  The maximum award of damages is $5,000 plus reasonable
court costs and attorney fees.  No cause of action can be brought
against an employee of the division or any law enforcement
officer.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:21 am