Liquor Laws

Air Date:01/25/2010

By Jackelyn Severin

A legislative committee is looking at a bill simplifying alcoholic beverage license laws in the state. House Bill 1002 changes the times and days any establishment may sell liquor, beer or wine.

Currently if you own any place whether it be a bar or a convenience store that sells alcohol you are not allowed to sell liquor between the hours of 2am to 7am. You also cannot sell liquor on Christmas day, Memorial day and all Sundays. However, you may sell beer on Christmas day, Memorial day and Sundays but only if you have an off-sale license. Representative Chuck Turbiville of Deadwood says these laws are confusing for owners, counties and law enforcement.

"House Bill 1002 would allow all retail licenses on or off-sale liquor, wine, or beer to sell all forms of alcohol 365 days per year from 7am to 2am making the administration and enforcement of laws more uniform and less confusing for everyone," says Turbiville.

The House Commerce Committee will discuss and vote on House Bill 1002 on Wednesday.

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