HB0219 Green, Timothy P

C O M M I T T E E

HB 219 -- SUNDAY LIQUOR SALES

SPONSOR: Green

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee Local Government and Related Matters by a vote of 12 to 5.

This bill permits anyone who is licensed to sell alcohol by the drink at retail for consumption on the premises to apply for and receive a special license to sell alcohol on Sundays between the hours of 11:00 am and midnight. The licensee will pay a $200 state fee and city or county fees of up to $300. This bill supersedes current law prohibiting bars from being open on Sunday.

FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Increase to General Revenue Fund of $313,751 in FY 96, $402,000 in FY 97, & $402,000 in FY 98.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that currently, the state allows many businesses and organizations that sell liquor to obtain a special license to sell on Sundays; this bill gives this privilege to the small tavern owner, against whom current law discriminates unfairly. The bill also has a positive fiscal note for both state and local government.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Green; Anheuser-- Busch; and Missouri Beer Wholesalers.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Brian Cook, Research Analyst