The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol or nonintoxicating beer during charitable bingo games held on the premises of specific organizations, including fraternal beneficiary societies, domestic fraternal societies, veterans organizations, and volunteer fire departments. This change introduces an exemption to the existing prohibition on alcohol consumption in areas where bingo is conducted, provided that the organizations meet certain federal tax-exempt criteria under the Internal Revenue Code.

The new legal language specifies that the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages or nonintoxicating beer may be permitted in areas where bingo is conducted, as long as the organization is a fraternal beneficiary society exempt under section 501(c)(8), a domestic fraternal society exempt under section 501(c)(10), a veterans organization exempt under section 501(c)(19), or a volunteer fire department. This amendment aims to enhance the fundraising capabilities of these organizations by allowing them to offer alcoholic beverages during bingo events, thereby potentially increasing patron attendance and revenue.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 47-20-2, 60-7-12
Engrossed Version: 47-20-2, 60-7-12
Enrolled Version: 47-20-2