"An Act relating to brewpub licenses; relating to outdoor recreation lodge alcoholic beverage licenses; relating to transfer of certain beverage dispensary licenses issued before June 6, 1985; and providing for an effective date. "

Alaska's alcoholic beverage laws require licenses for everything from golf courses (AS 04.11.115) to special events (AS 04.11.240). While lodges are an integral part of Alaska's economy and they provide important recreational opportunities for residents and non-residents, the state has never developed an appropriate alcoholic beverage license for lodges.

Today, a lodge owner that wishes to sell alcoholic beverages to their guests must obtain both a beverage dispensary license and a package store license. The issuance of alcoholic beverage licenses is limited in Alaska based on population, and lodge owners that want to be licensed may not even be able to get one.

CS for HB 15 (L&C) creates an alcoholic beverage license for lodges whose primary business is to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. The biennial license will cost $1,250 and will only allow a lodge to serve alcoholic beverages to their overnight guests and off-duty staff.

With a license, lodges may sell and serve alcoholic beverages to their guests legally, purchase alcoholic beverages from wholesalers and develop an additional revenue stream for their businesses.

CSHB 15 (L&C) also allows licenses that were granted prior to June 6, 1985, under the public convenience exception to Alaska's population limits on alcoholic beverage licenses, to be transferred.

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