This bill amends the Nebraska Liquor Control Act to introduce a new licensing category for "regional craft breweries," defined as breweries producing between 20,000 and 200,000 barrels of beer annually. It outlines the requirements for obtaining this license, which allows for the production and sale of beer from multiple locations and the ability to sell to wholesalers. The bill also permits regional craft brewery licensees to obtain additional licenses, such as catering and special designated licenses, and allows for the storage of products in offsite facilities under certain conditions. Furthermore, it adds regional craft brewery licensees to the list of entities subject to penalties for violations of the Liquor Control Act, ensuring that the new license fits within the existing regulatory framework.

In addition to the new licensing category, the bill establishes provisions for entertainment districts where licensed establishments can sell alcoholic beverages for consumption in a commons area, provided food service is available. It mandates that shipments of alcoholic liquor be made through approved common carriers and requires recipients to provide valid identification. The bill also allows local governing bodies to impose an occupation tax on entertainment district licensees and outlines the process for issuing special designated licenses for craft breweries and other entities. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the regulatory framework for alcohol licensing while promoting responsible consumption and accommodating the needs of local businesses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-101, 53-103, 53-103.51, 53-116.02, 53-117.07, 53-123, 53-123.01, 53-123.15, 53-123.17, 53-124, 53-124.01, 53-124.11, 53-124.12, 53-124.16, 53-129, 53-131, 53-132, 53-133, 53-134, 53-134.03, 53-164.01, 53-169, 53-171