Bill > HB1381

This bill modifies Oklahoma's alcoholic beverage licensing regulations by amending Section 2-146 of the state's alcoholic beverage control law. The bill updates terminology, such as changing "ABLE" to "Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission," and makes several key changes to licensing requirements. Most notably, the bill adds a provision allowing beer distributor and wine and spirits wholesaler licensees under common ownership more flexibility in business entity types, while explicitly excluding retail spirits licenses from this provision to maintain strict liability for consumer sales. The bill maintains existing grounds for license denial, which include factors such as criminal history, age restrictions, residency requirements, and compliance with state tax laws. The bill also clarifies language around license restrictions, particularly for businesses holding multiple types of alcohol-related licenses. For example, it now explicitly allows retail wine or beer license holders to maintain mixed beverage, caterer, or on-premises beer and wine licenses simultaneously. The changes aim to provide more operational flexibility for alcohol beverage businesses while maintaining regulatory oversight. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1381&Session=2600