Current law prohibits the sale of package beer and wine within 100 yards of a college campus. This bill allows cities and counties, via local ordinance, to allow for the sale of package beer and wine within that 100-yard distance so long as the store has at least 85 percent of its floor space dedicated to the sale of food and other nonalcoholic items, and conducts all of its sales within the store (i.e., no gas pumps outside).     

This legislation would repeal O.C.G.A. § 3-7-43, which purports to allow counties and cities with a population between 36,800 nor more than 36,990 from authorizing pouring licenses to private clubs without holding a referendum.

This legislation allows up to 128 ounces of malt beverages produced in a private residence (i.e., "home brew") to be transported from the private residence where it was prepared by the person who made it to another location that is not licensed.  The home brew must be transported for the purpose of consumption by the the person who made it or his or her family or guest.  The home brew must be sealed in one or more containers and clearly labeled with the name of the person who made it, as well as the address of the residence where it was made.  It the home brew is transported by motor vehicle, it must be placed in a locked glove compartment, trunk or area behind the last upright seat if the vehicle does not have a trunk.

HB 737 also clarifies that the board of commissioners must adopt a resolution or ordinance for the issuance of home brew special event permits, if they desire to allow them.  It also specifies that home brew special events may not be held at any establishment that has an alcoholic beverage license.

This legislation allows counties where the sale of alcoholic beverages for on premise consumption is already approved to adopt a resolution or ordinance to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages for on premise consumption on Sundays that fall during March 16 through March 18.

This legislation would allow craft distillers to make retail sales of alcohol up to 1.75 liters per day to any single customer.

This legislation allows the Revenue Commissioner to license farm wineries to make distilled spirits and fortified wines, as well as to have a tasting room located on the property of the farm or the property adjacent to the farm.  

This legislation amends the laws regarding holding a referendum to approve package sales of liquor. Under current law, a referendum may only be initiated by a petition signed by 35 percent of the registered voters of the county. This legislation would allow the referendum to be initiated by the adoption of a resolution or ordinance by the board of commissioners in lieu of the petition process. The petition process would still remain an option.    

This legislation allows counties where on premise consumption of alcoholic beverages is lawful to pass an ordinance or resolution authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages on premises from 12:30 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. on any Sunday which occurs during the St. Patrick's Day holiday period (meaning March 16 through 18).

This legislation allows counties to authorize alcoholic beverage tasting events.