Sponsor Statement for HB 92: Alcohol Sales Near Schools or Churches

Portrait of Representative Kevin Meyer, 111 K.

Session:
State Capitol, Room 110
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4945
Toll Free: (866) 465-4945
Fax: (907) 465-3476

Interim:
716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 320
Anchorage, AK 99501-2133
Phone: (907) 269-0199
Fax: (907) 269-0197

An Act relating to sales of alcoholic beverages near a school or church.

Released: February 1, 2001

Many of our community’s social, civic, and health problems are associated with alcohol abuse. Preventing the availability of alcohol to people under 21 years of age should be one of our top priorities.

HB 92 increases the distance between where alcoholic beverages can be sold and a school or church. Currently, the minimum required distance between a liquor store or bar, and a school or church, is 200 feet. HB 92 increases this distance to 400 feet. Several of our neighboring states have a greater distance requirement than Alaska including Washington (500 feet), Oregon (500 feet) and Utah (600 feet).

Churches provide a place where individuals and families can go who are suffering from the effects of alcohol. Having liquor outlets close to churches can make treatment more difficult. By increasing the distance from 200 to 400 feet of a school or church, this bill will help decrease our children’s exposure and thus their opportunities to use alcohol. It would also maintain respect for our churches that try to provide sanctuary from alcoholism.

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