HB 2429 -- ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT MUNICIPAL PERMITS

SPONSOR:  Hunter

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Workforce Development and Workplace Safety by a vote of 9 to 2.

Currently, a promotional association representing historic
downtown Kansas City may obtain an entertainment district special
license to sell liquor by the drink from portable bars within its
common areas between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Monday through
Saturday and between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. on Sundays.  This
bill requires a promotional association to also obtain a permit
from the city after submitting a detailed plan specifying the
legal description of the district, the members of the promotional
association, the calendar of events for the district, proposed
public street closures, proof of insurance, and the security to
be provided.  Upon plan approval, the association may sell liquor
between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and
between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. on Sunday.  If an association
violates any liquor laws or regulations, it may be assessed a
civil fine of up to $5,000.  If an association is found
responsible for violations at three separate events, its plan
will be deemed terminated, and it will not be allowed to submit
another plan without the prior written consent of the Supervisor
of the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control within the
Department of Public Safety.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $69,257
in FY 2009, $58,041 in FY 2010, and $59,809 in FY 2011.  No
impact on Other State Funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say the economic advantages provided by
festival-permitted events that are enjoyed by a certain part of
the Kansas City area should be expanded to all of the Kansas City
area.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Hunter and Meiners.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the
festival-permitted area established in 2005 is geographically
enclosed which aids in crowd control.  If other areas in Kansas
City offered festival events, the competition would adversely
affect the businesses in the existing festival-permitted area.

Testifying against the bill was Cordish Company.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say the festival-permitted
area is currently restricted to 20 events which must be carefully
planned and booked well in advance of the events.

Testifying on the bill was Jim Farrell, Westport.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm