Two Republican representatives have each proposed a bill that could change Oklahoma alcohol laws. Representative Josh West, R-District authored House Bill 3732, a follow up bill to last session’s House Bill 2122 – the Cocktails to go Act. House Bill 2122 went into effect August 25, 2021, and enabled establishments to sell single-serve wine and cocktails to-go. They just needed to be in sealed, tamper-proof containers.
The new proposed bill will allow the establishments to sell the to-go ready-made drinks, but not forcing them to pour the beverage into a separate, sealed container. The customers will be able to purchase the beverage and leave the establishment with the beverage in its original container. The bill is waiting to be heard.
The second bill, Senate Bill 1708, was authored by Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-District 23. This bill would allow grocery store and convenience store employees who are at least 16 years old to unload and stock beer.
Jason hall, the AB One Oklahoma General manager, said SB1708 is necessary to address the staffing issues brought on by the pandemic.
“These legislative priorities focus on relieving some of the burdens our businesses and retailers are currently facing in stocking and serving beer,” Hall said. “The Oklahoma Beer Alliance continues to work hard to advocate for better alcohol laws in the state — not only for our distributors, but for Oklahomans and businesses alike.”
SB 1708 also has not been heard, yet.
Lisette Barnes, the president of the Oklahoma Beer Alliance said the approving the two new proposals would be significant.
“We are so proud of the significant progress made through the modernization of our state’s beer laws over the last decade, which has provided increased selection to Oklahoma consumers, and allowed business owners and distributors to thrive across Oklahoma,” said Barnes “This session, we are paying particularly close attention to two proposed bills — HB3732 and SB1708 — that would build up on this progress and provide additional framework for modernization.”