Alcohol reform measures given governor’s stamp of approval

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom aimed at modifying state alcohol laws were signed into law by Governor Stitt this week. 

Senate Bill 113 allows a Retail Wine License or a Retail Beer License holder to sell beer or wine on credit when the holder of such license is a private membership club, marina, golf course or country club that normally charges food, drinks and other purchases to the member's monthly dues account in the regular course of business. 

Senate Bill 115 creates a commercial vessel beverage license for commercial vessels operating solely on the waterways in Oklahoma. Holders of a commercial vessel beverage license must purchase their products from an authorized distributer or wholesaler and are subject to the excise tax associated with alcoholic beverage purchases.

 “Oklahoma’s alcohol laws were dramatically changed this past October, and there were unintended consequences. Vessels like the Cherokee Queen, which had previously been able to serve alcohol no longer could. Golf courses and marinas that had for decades been able to charge members’ drink purchases to their members’ dues account found this to be a problem,” said Senator Bergstrom, R- Adair. “Senate Bills 113 and 115 fix both of these issues.”

Both measures are effective immediately.

For more information, contact Sen. Micheal Bergstrom at 405-521-5561 or bergstrom@oksenate.gov.