Texas House Bill HB3693

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to package store permits.

Impact

If enacted, the bill could significantly alter the landscape of alcohol distribution and sales in Texas by controlling the number of package stores based on demographic data. This could lead to increased competition among existing package stores in areas where the population ratio permits additional sales licenses, thereby potentially impacting local economies. Moreover, by requiring a lottery system for the issuance of any new permits, this bill intends to create a fair distribution process among interested parties, should the county allow additional permits.

Summary

House Bill 3693 aims to regulate the issuance of package store permits in Texas by introducing a moratorium on new permits. It proposes that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission temporarily freezes the number of package store permits issued in the state. New permits would only be issued in counties where the number of existing permits does not exceed one for every 15,000 residents, according to the most recent federal census. The legislation stipulates that a minimum of two permits may be authorized for each county, while allowing currently permitted stores to be relocated within the same county.

Contention

Debates around HB 3693 may arise regarding the fairness of limiting permits based on population density, as certain areas may have higher demand for package store services than others. Supporters might argue that this regulation is necessary to prevent over-saturation of stores, while opponents could claim that it restricts business opportunities and consumer choice. Furthermore, some stakeholders may advocate for the necessity of package store presence in local communities to ensure accessibility and that regulations should reflect the needs of those communities more closely.