HB 213-GOLF COURSE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES  3:21:53 PM CHAIR OLSON announced that the first only order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 213, "An Act relating to golf course alcoholic beverage licenses." 3:22:19 PM BRODIE ANDERSON, Staff, Representative Steve Thompson, Alaska State Legislature, stated that currently privately-owned golf courses can only serve beer and wine. Unfortunately, due to this limitation, the privately-owned golf courses are not provided the same opportunities currently allowed for golf courses on federal property such as military installations. He said that military golf courses are exempt from golf course liquor licenses and can serve all alcoholic beverages. Since private golf courses are limited to serving beer and wine, they are at a disadvantage to secure large events, including tournaments. Additionally, unaccompanied minors can only enter dining facilities at a privately-owned golf course that serves beer and wine and minors cannot play golf without being accompanied by an adult. This bill would allow golf courses the same privileges as those located on federal property. Under HB 213 privately-owned golf courses could serve all alcoholic beverages. The bill would also clarify restrictions for minors on the golf course. MR. ANDERSON referred to a letter in members' packets from [Rich Sayers, General Manager] Anchorage Golf Course and O'Malley on the Green. The letter suggests the committee consider an amendment. He referred to page 2 line 11, which read, "... by a person over the age of 21 years, and the parent or guardian of the ...." He explained that having the word "and" means that the minor must be accompanied by someone over 21 and also has consent of a parent or guardian. He stated that the letter suggests [removal of the language that requires minors under the age of 16 to be accompanied by a person over the age of 21], by changing "and" to "or." He said this would allow minors under the age of 16 to play golf so long as they have parental consent. He indicated the prime sponsor of HB 213 believes that is a good change. 3:25:27 PM CHAIR OLSON asked whether an amendment has been submitted to accomplish the change. MR. ANDERSON answered no; that the sponsor hopes the committee would entertain amending the bill. CHAIR OLSON asked for clarification on whether the bill is time sensitive. 3:26:47 PM The committee took an at-ease from 3:26 p.m. to 3:28 p.m. 3:28:22 PM MR. ANDERSON stated that the bill has a zero fiscal note and it will only impact privately-owned golf courses. CHAIR OLSON remarked that other golf courses have weighed in on the bill, as well. 3:28:49 PM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD asked how many golf courses operate recreational site license. MR. ANDERSON answered that eight golf courses currently operate with a liquor license. REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT remarked that he does not own a golf course. 3:30:07 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT made a motion to adopt a Conceptual Amendment 1, on page 2, line 11, to strike "and" insert "or." REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD objected for the purpose of discussion. She said she preferred the original language; however, she deferred to the will of the committee. REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD removed her objection. 3:30:58 PM REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT explained the reason for Conceptual Amendment 1 is that he and the prime sponsor do not want to restrict youth from being on golf courses. He offered his belief that this language will not hamper [the liquor laws] in any way nor will it allow youth under the ages of 21 to have better access to liquor. He said that "or" fits the scenario better than "and" does. 3:31:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT reminded members that any golf course serving alcohol must follow the liquor rules of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC). This means all servers must have TAM cards [training for alcohol professionals]. It wouldn't be any different under the bill since servers aren't going to serve children or allow anyone under 21 an opportunity to drink. She didn't see any problem having youth on the golf course since all of the provisions related to alcohol would apply. 3:33:10 PM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD lifted her objection [previously lifted]. There being no further objection, Conceptual Amendment 1 was adopted. 3:33:39 PM HOWARD THEISS, Owner, Fairbanks Golf Course, stated that he supports the idea of a full liquor license on the golf course. He also appreciated [Conceptual Amendment 1] since it allows minors to practice and improve their golf. He said that it's been tough to compete [with other golf courses] due to the liquor law restrictions. He stated that he is one of six owners, and president of the organization. He said the Fairbanks Golf Course is in support of HB 213. 3:34:58 PM JOMO STEWART, Project Manager, Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation [FEDCO), stated that the FEDCO supports the bill. He said that his boss, [Jim Dodson, President and CEO, FEDCO], sent a letter of support [in members' packets]. The FEDCO supports HB 213 in terms of attracting tourism related golfing. Additionally, the FEDCO supports the bill in terms of the competitiveness between the public and private sector. He explained that the Fairbanks Golf Course is at a competitive disadvantage since it cannot provide the kinds of things tourists are accustomed to in other parts of the country. He concluded that the FEDCO is supporting the bill for fairness, competitiveness, and attractiveness. 3:36:08 PM RICH SAYERS, General Manager, Anchorage Golf Course, testified in support of HB 213 and in support of allowing youth to participate without being accompanied by an adult, as stated in the letter [in members' packets]. 3:37:08 PM DALE FOX, President& CEO, Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant & Retailer's Association (CHARR), said that CHARR supports the concept of golf course beverage licenses, in which the golf course purchases a full beverage dispensary license in order to be able to serve beverages anywhere on the course. He expressed concern that the bill may provide "full beverage dispensary license" instead of a "golf course license". He stated that CHARR believes there is a need to purchase a full beverage dispensary license to be fair and competitive with other establishments in the community. The second part of the bill attempts to address minors on premise. The bill as written would grant 16-year-olds with parental permission the right to be on the course. He suggested the issue is larger than what the bill addresses since [it only addresses youth 16 years and older] but 10-year-olds participate in "first tee" programs and he has observed a mother dropping off a 12-year-old at the golf course. He said he wants golf courses open to youth of any age so kids can learn to play golf. He said, "And maybe we'll get our next Tiger Woods from Alaska." He suggested that the committee should allow youth of any age to access the golf course. Golf is clearly a healthy activity and youth should be encouraged to participate in golfing. 3:39:02 PM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD asked whether he supported [Conceptual Amendment 1]. MR. FOX answered that [Conceptual Amendment 1] makes some sense although he was unsure whether it goes far enough. He offered his belief that the age limit is a problem for some of his golf course members. 3:39:34 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON said it appears that [subparagraph] (B) appears to cover any use, at least with parental consent. MR. FOX answered yes. 3:40:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON asked whether the full dispensary license would be required for spirits so the license would need to be upgraded from beer and wine. CHAIR OLSON suggested that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC Board) could clarify if this pertains to beer and wine. REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON pointed out that the bill would delete beer and wine and insert alcoholic beverages. 3:41:04 PM CHAIR OLSON asked whether this bill would require a full [beverage dispensary license]. SHIRLEY COTE, Executive Director, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board ("ABC Board"), Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development, responded that the bill would extend beyond just serving beer and wine to include spirits, similar to a beverage dispensary license such that golf course licensees would be allowed to serve, beer, wine, or hard liquor. 3:42:03 PM CHAIR OLSON asked whether she had any issues about the minors on premises after the committee [adopted Conceptual Amendment 1]. MS. COTE answered that Representative Millett was correct, that the licensee is responsible for ensuring that alcoholic beverages are not put in the hands of those under the age of 21. Currently, staff has to ensure the underage persons are not served or given access to beer and wine so she assumed this would extend to hard liquor on golf courses. 3:42:55 PM CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 213. 3:43:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT moved to report HB 213, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, the CSHB 213(L&C) was reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.