Panel Passes Liquor License Bill

Rural restaurants are one step closer to having an opportunity to buy liquor licenses after a bill sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Shepherd passed 11-10 through the House State Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

The bill was held in committee last week until amendments to clarify parts of the bill could be made.

The legislation will allow counties to decide whether they want to offer additional licenses to established restaurants that already serve beer and wine.

A strong anti-alcohol sentiment was expressed by several committee members, who said they were concerned that the legislation would encourage drinking and increase drunken driving. Proponents responded that the restaurants already serve beer and wine and that this wasn’t an issue of alcohol but rather an issue of survival for restaurant owners.

Rep. Mary Lou Shepherd, D-Prichard, introduced the legislation to help business owners who say they can’t compete with bars and taverns because they cannot serve mixed drinks that patrons want.

The bill will be sent to the House floor with amendments.