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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
department of liquor licenses; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) for eight years.
Background
DLLC protects public safety and supports economic growth through the responsible sale and consumption of liquor and efficient licensing of qualified applicants. DLLC consists of the Office of the Director of the DLLC (Director) and the State Liquor Board (Board). The Director is appointed by the Governor and must have experience in administrative matters and enforcement procedures. The seven Governor-appointed members on the Board consist of: 1) five members who are not financially interested in a business licensed to deal with spirituous liquor, one of whom is a current elected municipal official; and 2) two members who are currently or were previously engaged in business in the spirituous liquor industry, one of whom is a retail licensee or a retail licensee's employee (A.R.S. § 4-111).
The Board: 1)
grants and denies applications; 2) provides training to law enforcement
agencies in the proper investigation and reporting of violations; and 3) hears
appeals of the Board's or Director's decisions. The Director: 1) examines licensees'
books, records and papers;
2) removes, from the marketplace, spirituous liquors that may be contaminated;
and 3) takes steps that are necessary to maintain effective liaison with the
Department of Public Safety and all local law enforcement (A.R.S. § 4-112).
The Senate Commerce and House Commerce Joint Committee of Reference (COR) met on January 10, 2023, to conduct a review of DLLC. The COR recommended DLLC be continued for eight years (COR Report). DLLC is set to terminate on July 1, 2023, unless legislation is enacted for its continuation (A.R.S. § 41-3023.14).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2023, DLLC until July 1, 2031.
2. Repeals DLLC on January 1, 2032.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
House Action
COM 2/14/23 DP 9-1-0-0
3rd Read 2/22/23 49-11-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 6, 2023
JT/PM/sr