The Alaska Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 9 modernizing laws governing Alaska’s alcohol industry. The total Title 4 rewrite bill allows the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to regulate the alcoholic beverage industry in a manner that promotes public safety and health while supporting the industry’s continued growth and economic viability.
Sen. Gary Stevens:
“I would like to emphasize that this legislation is not a special interest bill. It is a collaborative over years and years, long effort from many stakeholders, including the legislature, various municipalities, public safety, public health, the industry, the ABC board, AMCO and the visitor and entertainment industries. The goals of reviewing Title 4 include removing unfair barriers against free market competition, promoting a fair business climate, and protecting public health and safety. It is about controlling illegal distribution in rural areas, limiting youth access to alcohol, promoting responsible use and reducing the harms of overconsumption. This bill modernizes Title 4 and implements changes without negatively harming existing businesses and responsible operators.”
According to the office of Senator Peter Micciche, SB 9 is a product of a lengthy collaboration of more than 100 stakeholders from a diverse group of representatives from the alcohol industry, public health and safety, local governments, and advocates for youth. The legislation is based on more than 16,000 hours of stakeholder meetings and legislative time that established several shared goals.
Micciche, who was the bill’s sponsor, said that the reset will more closely align with how the alcohol industry operates today.
SB 9 is now heading to the House of Representatives.
Transcribed audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV.