The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the sale and consumption of liquor on boats and docks under a government series liquor license. Currently, liquor can only be sold for consumption on the premises in conjunction with food, and it cannot be served or consumed on boats between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The bill would remove the food requirement for liquor sales and allow liquor to be served, consumed, or possessed on boats between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Additionally, the definition of "boat" would be expanded from a vessel designed for 15 to 45 passengers with a maximum displacement of 10 tons to include any watercraft capable of carrying between 15 and 100 passengers with a maximum displacement of 50 tons. This new definition would also require the watercraft to have a current coast guard certificate or meet local governing body requirements for operation on nonnavigable waterways. The bill aims to modernize the regulations surrounding liquor licenses for watercraft, enhancing operational flexibility for licensees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 4-205.03
Senate Engrossed Version: 4-205.03