This bill amends the Nebraska Liquor Control Act, specifically section 53-123.17, to update the provisions related to entertainment districts. It allows local governing bodies to designate entertainment districts where retail, craft brewery, and microdistillery licensees can operate within a commons area. The bill introduces new requirements for the consumption of alcoholic liquor in these areas, stipulating that food service must be available either in the commons area or by at least one holder of an entertainment district license. Additionally, it clarifies that only licensed individuals may sell or dispense alcohol in the commons area and mandates that containers used for serving alcohol prominently display the licensee's trade name or logo.

The bill also expands the definition of "commons area" to include specific criteria for cities of different classes, ensuring safety measures for pedestrians and prohibiting open alcoholic liquor containers on streets except when crossing at designated crosswalks. It establishes a process for obtaining an entertainment district license, including an application and a fee, and allows local governing bodies to impose an occupation tax on entertainment district licensees. The original section 53-123.17 is repealed, and the bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage due to the declaration of an emergency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-123.17