Senate Bill 15, which aims to amend state law regarding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the state, passed the Senate unanimously on Monday.
The bill, which passed on a 19-0 bipartisan vote, would allow a person aged 18-20 to be employed in and serve alcohol at establishments such as restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, hotels, motels and large resorts.
Sen. Kelly Merrick of Eagle River is the sponsor of the bill.
“Importantly, Senate bill 15 brings Alaska in line with practices already adopted by 47 other states,” Merrick said, “These states have successfully implemented similar reforms recognizing the benefits of modernizing their alcohol laws to enhance both economic opportunity and public safety. I want to be clear, however, Senate Bill 15 does not allow 18-to-20-year-olds to work in bars where alcohol is the primary service.”
The bill would also expand the ability of youth aged 16 and older to enter restaurants and other licensed premises for dining, with protections to ensure minors are not inappropriately exposed to alcohol.
The bill updates warning signs in alcohol-serving establishments to emphasize the risks of cancer from drinking alcohol.
A companion bill, House Bill 68, is also making its way through the Legislature.
