Oklahoma Senate Bill SB71

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Alcoholic beverages; prohibiting alcoholic beverages from being sold for less than a certain amount. Effective date.

Impact

The impact of SB71 on state laws revolves around its implications for the retail alcohol market. In enforcing a minimum markup, the bill seeks to standardize pricing practices across the state, potentially affecting the competition among sellers. By ensuring that alcoholic beverages are not sold below a set threshold, the bill aims to protect retailers from aggressive undercutting by competitors and to maintain overall market health.

Summary

Senate Bill 71, introduced by Senator Murdock, seeks to amend 37A O.S. 2021, Section 3-118 concerning the retail sales of alcoholic beverages in Oklahoma. The bill establishes a minimum pricing structure whereby alcoholic beverages cannot be sold for less than a six percent markup on the actual unit cost. This legislative change is aimed at regulating alcohol sales to ensure reasonable profit margins for retailers and to prevent underpricing that could undermine market stability and the financial viability of local businesses.

Contention

Notably, points of contention around SB71 may arise from concerns regarding consumer choice and pricing. Advocates of the bill argue that it will help sustain the local business economy by supporting profit margins, while opponents may view it as an infringement on market freedoms that could lead to higher prices for consumers. This balancing act between protecting business interests and ensuring fair consumer prices is likely to be a key area of debate during discussions surrounding the bill.