Senate approves legislation allowing restaurants, grocery, convenience and liquor stores to continue curbside sales/deliveries of alcohol
/OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given approval to a bill that will enable Oklahomans to continue to take advantage of curbside sales or home deliveries of beer, wine and spirits. Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, is principal author of Senate Bill 1928. The measure was approved Wednesday with bipartisan support.
“As businesses were closed or operating under restricted procedures because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE) allowed restaurants, grocery and convenience stores and liquor stores to serve customers through curbside service and delivery. It’s a convenience people have really appreciated,” Thompson said. “This legislation will allow businesses to continue to offer that service even after the pandemic. If someone is at home and would like to have a meal and a bottle of wine available for curbside service or delivered to their home, they’ll be able to do that.”
Under Thompson’s legislation, the delivery or curbside service of beer, wine or spirits would have to be provided by the establishment holding the license—third party companies cannot deliver those products. Restaurants, grocery and convenience stores can only provide curbside sales or home delivery of beer or wine. Liquor stores can provide that service for beer, wine and spirits.
Once the House of Representatives approves SB 1928, it will move to the governor for his consideration.
“I thank my fellow members for their support on this legislation,” Thompson said. “I think this is a major boost for the people of Oklahoma as we continue to modernize our liquor laws.”