Big Shifts in Alaska’s Alcohol Industry Expected to Begin on Jan. 1

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The alcohol industry in Alaska is undergoing major changes that will take effect on Monday and bring significant shifts for business owners and public health groups. The changes, which stem from the passage of Senate Bill 9 in 2022, are aimed at improving public safety and aligning with how Alaskans now consume alcohol.

One of the most immediate effects for patrons will be longer taproom hours, with the ability for breweries and distilleries to stay open until 9 p.m., up from the previous 8 p.m. closing time. The new regulations also allow taprooms to hold a limited number of live events per year and enable liquor stores to hold events and serve alcohol samples.

The new law is expected to put an end to the “bar wars” between traditional bars and breweries by allowing business owners to have multiple, overlapping licenses and expanding the privileges of brewers and distillers.

Public health and safety groups support the new law as a way to address high rates of alcohol abuse and alcohol-related deaths in Alaska. New measures such as mandatory beer keg registrations to limit underage drinking and updated population-based limits on taprooms aim to prevent an overabundance of alcohol in communities.

The law also brings changes in the enforcement of alcohol offenses, with licensees potentially being held partially liable for violations such as serving alcohol to minors. Moreover, the Alaska Department of Law will now issue citations in lieu of prosecuting misdemeanors for low-level alcohol crimes.

As the new law approaches, state regulators are working to ensure that all businesses are in compliance with the changes. This includes businesses needing to file applications to keep their taprooms open and bars and clubs needing to apply to serve minors over the age of 16.

Despite some kinks in the rollout of the new law, the overall consensus has been positive, with the alcohol industry in Alaska expecting an exciting year ahead due to the significant changes.

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