Under this legislation, private nonprofit organizations/clubs do not need a license, permit or other authorization from the state or local government to sell alcoholic beverages by the drink at their "single" functions. Single functions last no longer than 24 hours and cannot occur more than once a month at the same location.

Current law requires that 35% of the registered voters file a petition with the election superintendent to call a referendum to let the voters decide whether the manufacture, sale and distribution of liquor would be allowed in the county. HB 96 would allow a referendum upon the signature of 5% of the registered voters of a county. The bill also specifies that the referendum could only be held in connection with a general primary.

Current law forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages within 100 yards of any housing authority property. HB 165 allows the county and housing authority to agree to allow the sale of alcohol within this 100 yard zone using one of two methods. Using the first method, the person seeking an alcoholic beverage permit within this area could submit an application to the county, which would be forwarded to the housing authority board to review. Within 30 days of receiving the application, the housing authority board has the opportunity to provide the county with a recommendation to grant or deny the application. After the 30 day period or after receiving a recommendation, the county may grant the application.The second method would allow the applicant to get a written recommendation for approval from the housing authority to submit with their application to the county.

This bill establishes the Georgia Racing Commission and allows horseracing and pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia.

This bill allows the Revenue Commissioner to license craft breweries in counties where the sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed.  It also grants a limited exception to craft breweries under Georgia's three-tier distribution system, allowing them to sell barrels of beer to either licensed wholesale dealers or attendees of private events on their premises.     

This bill allows the Revenue Commissioner to issue annual permits to licensed distillers to conduct distillery tours that include free tastings of liquor. Tastings would be limited to one-half of one ounce and no one could have more than one sample in a day.

Under current law, counties must obtain a written petition with the signatures of at least 35 percent of registered voters in order to hold a referendum to permit the manufacture, sale and distribution of distilled spirits in its jurisdiction.  This provides an additional option, allowing the county commission to merely adopt a resolution or ordinance in order to hold said referendum.     

This bill allows retail establishments to open packages of wine for the purpose of conducting a wine tasting so long as it is permitted pursuant to local ordinance. Currently, state law prohibits the breaking of any package(s) containing alcoholic beverages.

HR 186 asks the voters to consider an amendment to the Georgia Constitution that would allow pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing in those counties that approve a referendum.  The net revenue raised from the wagering would be used to fund educational grants, scholorships and loans, pre-kindergarten programs and trauma care services.

This bill authorizes counties and cities (which already allow package sales) to approve the package sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits on Sunday from between 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. A county commission must first authorize this via a resolution or ordinance, specifying the effective date. After a four-week notice in the county organ, the proposal would then go to a vote of the public with a simple majority prevailing. Elections can take place any time a special election is allowed under current law (O.C.G.A. §21-2-540) and are to be paid for by the county or city that puts the vote on the ballot.

This bill prohibits counties and cities from adopting ordinances or resolutions that impose a tax or fee on pawnbrokers on a per transaction basis or on the sales of goods to be resold.  It will not prohibit the collection of regulatory fees or occupation taxes.  Several local governments in Georgia utilize these fees to track merchandise, identify and recover stolen property.  The bill, if passed, would directly violate home rule principles. This bill did not pass.