Liquor control changes pass

Senators passed a bill April 20 that makes several changes to Nebraska’s Liquor Control Act.

LB407, introduced by Wilber Sen. Russ Karpisek, eliminates a requirement that the Liquor Control Commission correspond with municipalities through certified mail regarding license applications. The bill instead allows correspondence through regular mail and electronic delivery.

Correspondence with other entities or individuals also may be conducted through regular mail and by electronic means if prior consent is given.

The bill contains provisions from two additional Karpisek bills.

LB249 allows a waiver to the state’s 300-foot restriction on alcohol sales near college or university campuses. Currently, only beer may be sold on or off-sale within the 300-foot zone.

The commission is authorized to grant waivers to the 300-foot restriction, taking into consideration the impact on current and prospective students, economic development opportunities and the academic mission of the college or university.

A written waiver application will be required and the governing body of the affected college or university must be notified of the application by the commission. If the physical location of the property associated with the waiver is surrounded by property owned by the college or university, written approval of the institution’s governing board is required for a waiver to be granted.

LB336 allows certain commission employees to obtain part-time employment at a business that holds a liquor license, unless the business receives more than 50 percent of its gross revenue from the sale or dispensing of alcohol.

LB407 passed a 46-0 vote.