Signed by Governor Dave Heineman

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends alcohol laws.

Highlights:

-Defines "alcohol" as the product of distillation of any fermented liquid, whether rectified or diluted, whatever the origin thereof, and includes synthetic ethyl alcohol and alcohol processed or sold in a gaseous form (Sec. 9). -Specifies that alcoholic liquor includes alcohol, spirits, wine, beer, and any liquid or solid, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine or beer and capable of being consumed by a human being, as well as any confection or candy that contains more than one half of one percent alcohol (Sec. 10). -Defines "local governing body" as either the city council or village board of trustees of a city or village within which the licensed premises are located or, if the licensed premises are no located within the corporate limits of a city or village, the county board of the county within which the licensed premises are located (Sec. 25). -Defines "retailer" as any person who sells or offers for sale alcohol for use or consumption and not for resale (Sec. 39). -Defines "wholesaler" as any person who imports or causes to be imported, or who purchases or causes to be purchased alcoholic liquor for sale or resale to retailers licensed under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act (Sec. 49). -Specifies the fees for various licenses, including but not limited to, the following (Sec. 57):

-Airline licenses, which cost $100; -Boat licenses, which cost $50; and -Railroad licenses, which cost $100.

-Specifies that $395 of each $400 application fee and $40 of each $45 application fee will be deposited into the general fund, and the remaining amount will be deposited into the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission Rule and Regulation Cash Fund (Sec. 70). -Specifies any license issued under the act will terminate immediately upon sale of the premises named in such license, but that the purchaser or transferee of the premises will be able to submit an application for a license prior to closing the sale or transfer (Sec. 72). -Authorizes liquor licenses to be issued to retail sellers located within 150 feet of a church, provided that the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission notifies the church and holds a hearing in which the Commission will receive evidence for the purpose of determining whether to approve or deny an application (Sec. 76). -Authorizes the sale of liquor for consumption on the premises until 2 a.m., provided that the local governing board, whether the city council or the county board, approve the change by a two-thirds majority (Sec. 77). -Specifies that the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises is still to end at 1 a.m. (Sec. 77). -Prohibits the sale of alcohol, or the possession of alcohol by any customer between the hours of fifteen minutes after the closing hour applicable to the licensed premises and 6 a.m. (Sec. 77).

Full Bill Text