Oklahoma House Bill HB4209

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Alcoholic beverages; delivery service license; fee; requirements; effective date; emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4209 will amend existing Oklahoma laws related to the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages. It aims to regulate how alcoholic products can be delivered by setting licensing requirements and fostering compliance with safety regulations. The measure also delineates the powers of the Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission to enforce these regulations, thereby centralizing authority over alcohol delivery in the state while ensuring public safety by maintaining strict age restrictions and delivery protocols.

Summary

House Bill 4209 aims to establish a framework for the delivery of alcoholic beverages in Oklahoma by creating a delivery service license system. This bill permits individuals and businesses registered in Oklahoma to apply for a license that allows them to deliver alcoholic beverages from licensed retail outlets directly to consumers above the age of 21 for personal use, not for resale. The bill lays out the necessary qualifications and requirements for obtaining such a license, including criminal background checks for delivery personnel and liability insurance requirements.

Contention

There are notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding HB 4209. Some stakeholders argue the bill may unnecessarily complicate the existing delivery landscape by imposing stringent regulations on delivery services while others support the measures as necessary for public safety and regulation of alcohol sales. Furthermore, concerns about the restrictions against direct shipping from manufacturers and the prohibition on third-party delivery services have been raised, as they may limit business models in the rapidly evolving alcohol delivery market.