The definition of alcoholic beverage establishment for purposes of conducting gaming; and to provide for a legislative management study.
Impact
The proposed amendment has implications for both the gaming and hospitality industries in North Dakota. It directly affects how establishments are categorized under state law, which can influence licensing requirements and regulatory compliance. By limiting the definition of alcoholic beverage establishments, the bill could potentially impact the operations of charitable gaming organizations that may wish to engage in gaming activities within these types of venues. In essence, the bill seeks to ensure that only dedicated establishments are considered for gaming oversight, thereby facilitating a more structured regulatory environment.
Summary
Senate Bill 2334 aims to amend the definition of 'alcoholic beverage establishment' within the North Dakota Century Code, specifically for the purposes of conducting gaming activities. This bill is significant as it refines the parameters for what constitutes such establishments, explicitly stating that venues like liquor stores, gas stations, grocery stores, or convenience stores are excluded from this definition. This adjustment is intended to provide clarity regarding the regulations governing gaming activities at establishments that serve alcohol.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 2334 appears to be largely positive, especially among legislators favoring clearer definitions within the legal framework governing gaming and liquor licensing. The bill received substantial support during its voting process, passing the Senate with 41 votes in favor and only 5 against, followed by a successful vote in the House with 80 in favor and 9 opposed. This overwhelming support reflects a consensus on the need for clarity in law among lawmakers, although there may be some concerns raised by opposition regarding the potential implications for charitable organizations involved in gaming.
Contention
Despite its support, there may be underlying concerns regarding the implications of the legislative management study mandated by the bill, which will explore the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations. Issues could arise surrounding the ethical considerations of gaming entities owning establishments that serve alcohol, as well as the possibility of conflicts of interest. As the study progresses, there may be debates regarding whether such ownership creates an advantage or poses risks to fair gaming practices.
The definitions of alcoholic beverage establishment and manufacturer, approval for a gaming site authorization and licensure, the maximum number of gaming sites allowed, the maximum number of pull tab devices allowed at a site, gaming licenses for alcoholic beverage establishments, electronic fifty-fifty raffles, rent limits for electronic pull tab devices, and the imposition of monetary fines for violations by third-party businesses; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The maximum number of gaming sites allowed and the maximum number of electronic pull tab devices allowed at a site; and to provide for a legislative management study .
Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.
The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The prohibition on ownership of real property by a foreign adversary; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.
The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.
The establishment of an educational reimbursement program; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.
Budget section approval limits for the flexible transportation fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.