HB 162 - ALCOHOL SALES IN HOTEL ROOMS Number 206 ROD MOURANT, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO REPRESENTATIVE PETE KOTT, Prime Sponsor of HB 162, read the following sponsor statement: "Currently, the Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) does not allow alcoholic beverages to be stocked and served inside hotel or motel rooms. "House Bill 162 seeks to authorize the ABC to allow beverage dispensary license holders the right to serve liquor within hotel and motel rooms through what are commonly called mini bars. And mini bars are small refriderated units that contain, often times, different flavored waters, soft drinks, ice cube facilities and that type of dispensory. It's a hospitality service that's commonly offered in other states in the country, as well as many international hotels as well. "Hotel and management control this unique system either through a locking device or electronic or mechanical means and would issue the ability to open and use the facility only to a guest that is 21 years of age or older. "This service would allow international guests greater comfort during their travel through Alaska by providing they're commonly used to. It would also allow hospitality service (indisc.) and safety of a room while these individuals, in the comfort of their room not to worry about having to travel to a local bar in a city in which they're traveling through that they're not aware of -- familiar with. Also by having the facility in your hotel room, it should reduce the incident of a traveler driving to a bar or a night club nearby, having a drink or two or three and then driving their rental car back to their hotel where they're staying. "Adoption of this legislation would provide an enhancement to Alaska's tourism industry and bring it into conforming with a service that is frequently offered elsewhere." MR. MOURANT offered that there was a zero fiscal note from the ABC Board (ABC), as well as letters of support from the Hotel and Motel Association who also offered verbal testimony in the previous committee of referral supporting this service. Number 251 REPRESENTATIVE ELTON questioned that on page 1, lines 9 and 10, it states "a holder of a beverage or dispensary license issued to a hotel, motel resort or similar business, that caters to the traveling public," and what a "similar business" is. MR. MOUNT stated that lodge facilities would also be covered under this legislation. REPRESENTATIVE KUBINA made a motion to move the HB 162 out of the Hosue Labor and Commerce Committee. CHAIRMAN KOTT pointed out that it was currently legal to stock hotel rooms with various non-alcoholic drinks, but it's cost prohibitive. He said that the bill made it through the legislature two years ago, where it was vetoed by Governor Hickel. Chairman Kott asked if there was an objection in moving the bill. Hearing none, the motion passed.