ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

House: COM DP 9-1-0-0

HB 2208: department of liquor licenses; continuation

Sponsor: Representative Wilmeth, LD 2

Caucus & COW

Overview

Continues the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) for eight years.

History

Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control

DLLC regulates the manufacture, distribution and sale of liquor in this state through the issuance of 21 different licenses. DLLC is primarily responsible for: 1) licensing all liquor manufactures, suppliers and wholesalers and retailers doing business in the state; 2) enforcing liquor laws by investigating complaints, conducting investigations and performing audits of select licensed establishments; and 3) imposing sanctions for violations of state liquor laws (Title 4, A.R.S.).

DLLC consists of the State Liquor Board and the Office of the Director of the Department. The State Liquor Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. Five of the members cannot be financially interested directly or indirectly in business licensed to deal with spirituous liquors, one of whom shall be a current elected municipal official. Two members must currently be engaged in business in the spirituous liquor industry or have been engaged in the past, at least one member must currently be a retail licensee or employee of a retail licensee. One member must be a member of a neighborhood association recognized by a city, town or county (A.R.S. § 4-111).

Sunset Review Process

The sunset review process provides a system for the Legislature to evaluate the need to continue the existence of state agencies which are reviewed by a legislative committee of reference (COR). The COR is required to hold a public hearing, receive testimony from agency officials and the public and consider certain sunset factors in determining whether to recommend continuing, consolidating or terminating the agency (A.R.S 41-2954).

The Senate Commerce and House Commerce COR held a public meeting on January 10, 2023 and recommended that the Legislature continue DLLC for eight years. DLLC terminates on July 1, 2023, unless continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. 41-3023.14).

Provisions

1. Continues, retroactively to July 1, 2023, DLLC until July 1, 2031. (Sec 1, 2, 4)

2. Repeals DLLC on January 1, 2032. (Sec. 2)

3. Contains a purpose statement. (Sec. 3)

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7. HB 2208

8. Initials PRB Page 0 Caucus & COW

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