Legislature expected to revisit alcohol reforms

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Alaska lawmakers could take another run at revising statues governing alcohol when the legislature convenes next month.

A Soldotna state senator, Republican Peter Micciche, is expected to again push for reforms that were partially addressed in his bill in 2015, the Junaeau Empire reported.

The Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and interested parties since 2012 have worked on new drafts of Title 4, the chapter of state statutes that regulates the manufacture, possession and sale of alcoholic beverages.

“I don’t want to say revising so much as bringing Title 4 into the new millennium,” said Bob Klein, chairman of the ABC board.

Alcohol statues have not seen a major revision in 36 years even though the industry has undergone significant changes. Juneau-based Alaskan Brewing opened Dec. 26, 1986, and became the first successful craft brewery in modern Alaska. There are now more than 35 across the state.

Craft distilleries also have opened and the state has seen growth in restaurants and seasonal businesses seeking alcohol licenses. Liquor-license applicants rose 20 percent in the past year, said Cynthia Franklin, director of the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control office.

Part of the surge is from businesses seeking to get “public convenience” licenses before they’re eliminated, she said.

Micciche in 2014 introduced a bill to overhaul alcohol statues but it never left its first committee. Micciche a year later stripped out elements that passed in a separate bill. The changes included a reduction in underage drinking penalties.

Other, more contentious changes recommended by a Title 4 review committee remain to be addressed.

Alcohol license fees, which have not changed since 1980, could be increased.

The legislature could consolidate types of licenses, allow breweries and distilleries to hold restaurant licenses, and allow liquor stores that fill “growler” jugs to give out samples.

Increased penalties for liquor license-holders who violate the law, efforts to stop bootlegging and changes to the makeup of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board also could be addressed.

“Sen. Micciche’s pretty determined to get as much of that through as possible,” said Cynthia Franklin, director of the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office.