Bill to reduce special designated licenses passed

Certain alcohol vendors may expand their operations temporarily without obtaining a special designated license under a bill passed Aug. 11.

LB1056, introduced by Kearney Sen. John Lowe, allows farm wineries, craft breweries, micro-distilleries, bottle clubs or entities with a retail liquor license to expand their licensed premises temporarily to a street, parking lot or alley that is immediately adjacent to their licensed location upon approval by the appropriate local governing body.

A temporary area must be enclosed by a fence or other means, have easily identifiable entrances and exits and meet all sanitation requirements for a premises with a liquor license. Authorized temporary expansions cannot exceed 50 days in 2020 and 15 days per year starting in 2021.

The bill also contains provisions of LB980, introduced by Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt, that extend a special permit to conduct a lottery or raffle under the Nebraska Lottery and Raffle Act from three months to one year. The provisions also allow raffle tickets to be sold online and to be purchased with a debit card.

LB1056 passed 47-0 and takes effect immediately.