Interim study into the potential effects of permitting liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores

2025 Regular Session

Establishes an interim study to assess potential effects of permitting liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores, informing future policy decisions.

(LC) Draft Died in Process

#alcoholanddrugs #legislature #interimstudies

Overview

LC 1235 proposes an interim study to evaluate the potential effects of permitting liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores. The bill is categorized as an interim study measure rather than a substantive change in liquor law. Its primary aim is to gather information and inform future policy decisions on this topic.

Bill number: LC 1235

Title: Interim study into the potential effects of permitting liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores

Status: Draft Died in Process

Introduced: November 12, 2024

Classification/Subject: Bill; Alcohol and Drugs, Legislature, Interim Studies

Purpose and intent

The stated purpose of the bill is to authorize and/or direct an interim study to assess the potential effects of allowing liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores. The available information confirms the study-oriented intent, but the specific scope, methodologies, and reporting requirements would be defined in the full bill text (not provided here).

Key provisions and changes (as described)

The bill would establish an interim study mechanism to examine potential outcomes if liquor sales were permitted in grocery and convenience stores.

Specific topics, scope, responsible entities (e.g., legislative committees or study commissions), timelines, and any funding or reporting deadlines would be set forth in the full bill text, which is not included in the provided information.

Notably, this bill does not propose immediate changes to liquor sales statutes; it focuses on a comprehensive review to inform future policy considerations.

Affected parties and stakeholders

Grocery and convenience store operators, retailers currently not licensed to sell liquor in many jurisdictions

Existing liquor retailers and licensees

Consumers and communities potentially impacted by changes in access and policy

State and local agencies responsible for licensing, public health, safety, and enforcement

Legislative committees and staff conducting the interim study

Procedural and timeline aspects

Drafter Assigned: November 12, 2024

Status timeline:

2025-01-19: Draft On Hold
2025-03-21: Draft Taken Off Hold
2025-04-28: Draft On Hold
2025-05-24: Draft Died in Process

Current status (as of the latest update): The draft died in process, meaning the measure did not advance toward enactment and there is no immediate movement to create or fund the interim study in the enacted legislative process.

Potential impact

If enacted, LC 1235 would not immediately change liquor sales policy but would create a formal process to study potential effects, gather data, and provide findings to guide future legislation or policy decisions.

Given its status as a draft that died in process, there is no enacted impact on liquor sales or regulation at this time.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar interim studies in other states or outline a hypothetical scope for the study based on common elements of such measures.

Bill