Number of licensed premises: County of Nevada.
The legislation aims to enhance the local economy of Nevada County by enabling more establishments to sell alcohol, thereby supporting local businesses and potentially increasing tourism and dining options. The stipulations within the bill ensure licenses cannot be transferred out of the county or to different premises, which aims to maintain a level of control and oversight that aligns with the specific needs of the county's economy. This specialized approach is positioned as a necessary response to the unique circumstances faced by Nevada County.
Senate Bill 787, introduced by Senator Dahle, amends the Business and Professions Code to add Section 23826.18, specifically addressing the regulation of alcoholic beverages in the County of Nevada. This bill allows for the issuance of up to 10 additional original on-sale general licenses for bona fide public eating places within the county, providing an exception to existing laws that currently limit such licenses based on population. Importantly, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will be restricted to granting a maximum of four of these licenses in any given year.
The sentiment surrounding SB 787 appears to be predominantly positive, with support primarily coming from local business owners and stakeholders who believe that increased licensing will stimulate economic growth. There is also recognition of the bill’s intention to preserve local regulatory control while providing more opportunities for businesses in the food and beverage sector. However, there may be concerns about how these changes could affect local communities and whether they will lead to potential over-saturation of alcohol-selling establishments.
While the bill was generally well-received, some opposition may arise concerning the implications of expanding alcohol licenses in the locality. Critics could argue that increasing the number of on-sale licenses might contribute to social issues such as overconsumption and public safety. Moreover, as the bill seeks to specifically benefit the County of Nevada without a general applicability to other counties, discussions may center on whether special treatment is warranted, given the potential for unequal regulatory environments across the state.