The proposed bill amends section 53-123.17 of the Nebraska Liquor Control Act to introduce new provisions regarding entertainment district licenses. It allows local governing bodies to designate entertainment districts where a commons area can be utilized by various licensees, including retail, craft breweries, and microdistilleries. Notably, the bill introduces a new class of consumption-only licenses, enabling businesses within designated consumption-only areas to allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages sold by other entertainment district licensees into their premises, provided they do not sell or serve alcohol themselves. The local governing body must approve these consumption-only areas and the respective licenses before submission to the commission.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for obtaining an entertainment district license, including an application process and associated fees. It specifies that the consumption of alcoholic beverages in commons and consumption-only areas is permitted only during designated hours and when food service is available. The bill also includes provisions for local governing bodies to impose occupation taxes on entertainment district licensees and to regulate designated areas through ordinances. The original section 53-123.17 is repealed, and various definitions and procedural details are updated to reflect these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-123.17