Georgia Senate Bill SB214

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

Alcoholic Beverages; number of retail dealer licenses that a person may hold or have a beneficial interest in; change

Impact

The proposed changes within SB214 are expected to encourage investment and expansion among retail dealers in the alcoholic beverage market. By increasing the number of licenses a single person can hold, the bill could pave the way for larger retail operations, which may lead to enhanced competition and variety for consumers. Additionally, it might stimulate economic growth by allowing existing business owners to expand their operations rather than being constrained by previous limitations. As a result, the bill has the potential to reshape the landscape of alcohol retailing in Georgia significantly.

Summary

Senate Bill 214 proposes a modification to the existing regulations concerning alcoholic beverage licensing in the state of Georgia. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend Title 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by altering the number of retail dealer licenses an individual can hold or have a beneficial interest in. Currently, individuals are prohibited from holding more than two retail dealer licenses; SB214 aims to change this limit to six licenses. This alteration presents a significant shift in licensing policy aimed at potentially fostering more business opportunities within the alcoholic beverage retail sector.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits highlighted by supporters of SB214, the bill may face opposition from various stakeholders concerned about market saturation and the impact on smaller businesses. Critics might argue that allowing one individual to hold a larger number of licenses could create monopolies or diminish the accessibility of the market for new entrants. Overall, the discussions surrounding the bill will likely focus on the balance between allowing for greater business interests and ensuring the competitive health of the alcoholic beverage retail market in Georgia.