Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB206

Filed

11/12/08

Out of House Committee

4/27/09

Voted on by House

5/17/09

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the on-premises consumption of certain alcoholic beverages; providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill is poised to reshape how alcoholic beverages are consumed in establishments charging admission. By mandating that certain premises hold the on-premises consumption only permit, HB206 aims to provide a clearer regulatory framework surrounding alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the introduction of penalties for establishments not complying with this requirement underscores the legislature's commitment to enforcing proper alcohol management practices. These measures could promote responsible consumption while also streamlining compliance for business owners.

Summary

House Bill 206 addresses the regulation of alcoholic beverage consumption within commercial establishments by introducing an 'on-premises consumption only permit.' This new permit allows customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises of approved establishments. However, the bill stipulates that only certain types of premises are eligible; specifically, venues with mixed beverage permits or private club registrations are prohibited from applying for this permit. The annual fee for obtaining this permit is set at $500.

Contention

As with many regulatory measures in the alcohol industry, there may arise discussions around the limitations imposed by the new permit system. Supporters of the bill might argue that it simplifies the alcohol service process and enhances consumer choice. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential consequences for establishments currently operating without such permits, fearing that this may penalize small or community-oriented businesses. Additionally, there could be worries about the impact on public safety, given that increased alcohol consumption at these locations could lead to instances of breaches of the peace, as specified in the bill.

Companion Bills

TX SB1308

Identical Relating to the on-premises consumption of certain alcoholic beverages; providing a penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX SB191

Relating to prohibiting the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of certain sexually oriented businesses; creating a criminal offense; providing a criminal penalty.

TX HB3339

Relating to the sale and regulation of alcoholic beverages by certain retailers.

TX HB115

Relating to the offense of public consumption of alcoholic beverages during certain hours.

TX SB2170

Relating to the offense of public consumption of alcoholic beverages during certain hours.

TX SB2348

Relating to required notice prohibiting firearms at certain businesses selling or serving alcoholic beverages and the prohibition on carrying certain weapons on those premises.

TX HB670

Relating to the possession and consumption of wine on the premises of a mixed beverage permittee.

TX HB2003

Relating to the delivery and direct shipment of certain alcoholic beverages to ultimate consumers; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB752

Relating to the delivery and direct shipment of certain alcoholic beverages to ultimate consumers; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB420

Relating to the offense of providing an alcoholic beverage to a minor; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB2200

Relating to the sale of spirit coolers by certain alcoholic beverage permittees.

Similar Bills

CA SB1315

Alcoholic beverages: consumption area permits.

CA ACA2

Sales and use taxes: food products.

KS HB2059

Exempting charitable raffle prizes of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages from the Kansas liquor control act, the club and drinking establishment act and the Kansas cereal malt beverage act; amending the spirits, wine and beer distributors law regulating samples; requiring monthly remittance of gallonage taxes regarding special order shipping of wine; allowing businesses to sell cereal malt beverage by the drink on Sundays without requiring that 30% of the gross receipts of such businesses be derived from the sale of food; permitting food establishments to allow dogs in outside areas on the premises and food establishments that are microbreweries to allow dogs in outside and inside areas on the premises notwithstanding certain provisions of the Kansas food code; amending the common consumption area law to permit rather than require roads be blocked and allowing designation of such areas by signage.