Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB475

Introduced

3/24/23

Refer

3/24/23

Report Pass

3/28/23

Engrossed

3/29/23

Refer

3/29/23

Report Pass

4/3/23

Enrolled

4/6/23

Chaptered

4/11/23

Passed

4/11/23

Caption

To Amend The Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; To Clarify The Violation Regarding The Sale Of Controlled Beverages By Vending Machine; And To Authorize The Sale Through A Dispensing Machine Under Certain Circumstances.

Impact

By allowing the sale of controlled beverages through dispensing machines, SB475 aims to create flexibility for permit holders. These machines can operate under controlled conditions, requiring customer identification through a radio-frequency identification device. The bill is crafted to balance regulation with the innovative approach of utilizing technology in the bar and restaurant industry, ensuring that consumption remains within monitored limits to prevent misuse.

Summary

Senate Bill 475 proposes amendments to the laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages in Arkansas. The bill clarifies regulations around the violation of selling controlled beverages through vending machines and introduces the possibility of using dispensing machines under specific circumstances. The intent is to modernize the existing framework around alcohol sales, particularly as technology advances and new methods of service, such as automated machines, become more prevalent.

Sentiment

Reactions to SB475 illustrate a mixed sentiment among stakeholders. Proponents, including many industry leaders, express enthusiasm for the potential to streamline operations and increase sales through technological adoption. In contrast, some legislators and community advocates have voiced concerns about the implications of greater accessibility to alcohol, particularly regarding underage drinking and uncontrolled consumption. This dichotomy captures the broader debate on public health versus economic opportunity.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB475 revolves around the adequate monitoring of dispensing machines to ensure compliance with alcohol laws. Opponents argue that the introduction of such technology could lead to oversight challenges, potentially enabling underage access to alcoholic beverages. As the bill moves through legislative discussions, these concerns highlight the balancing act between modernizing service methods and maintaining responsible consumption standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

Similar Bills

CA SB1315

Alcoholic beverages: consumption area permits.

CA ACA2

Sales and use taxes: food products.

KS HB2059

Exempting charitable raffle prizes of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages from the Kansas liquor control act, the club and drinking establishment act and the Kansas cereal malt beverage act; amending the spirits, wine and beer distributors law regulating samples; requiring monthly remittance of gallonage taxes regarding special order shipping of wine; allowing businesses to sell cereal malt beverage by the drink on Sundays without requiring that 30% of the gross receipts of such businesses be derived from the sale of food; permitting food establishments to allow dogs in outside areas on the premises and food establishments that are microbreweries to allow dogs in outside and inside areas on the premises notwithstanding certain provisions of the Kansas food code; amending the common consumption area law to permit rather than require roads be blocked and allowing designation of such areas by signage.