Permitting a city to create entertainment districts allowing for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places

This bill permits a city to create entertainment districts (district) allowing for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places. A city may define by ordinance a licensed premises which may be used by holders of class “C” or special class “C” retail alcohol licenses in a district. “Licensed premises” generally includes areas where alcoholic beverages may be sold or consumed under the authority of a retail alcohol license. A class “C” license allows commercial establishments like bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer, and a special class “C” license allows such establishments to sell just wine and beer. The bill defines a “district” to mean licensed premises that allow for the possession and consumption of alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer on public roadways, sidewalks, and other public spaces within the boundaries of the district. An ordinance adopted pursuant to the bill is required to include the following: (1) a legal description or map of the district, (2) the days and hours the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted, (3) the requirements for containers containing alcoholic beverages consumed in the district, (4) the requirements for retail alcohol licensees participating in the district, (5) enforcement provisions, and (6) revocation and suspension provisions for the retail alcohol licensees and the district. The bill specifies an ordinance shall not be construed to authorize the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle or on public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces during the times when the ordinance is not in effect, or the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in a manner contrary to the provisions of Code chapter 123 (alcohol beverage control).