As of July 1, 2017, most of the liquor laws were changed or removed, giving the Licensing Authority more control of managing the liquor licenses and permits. Dispensing rooms were removed from State Statute, with the exception of Restaurant Liquor Licenses. This now makes the entire building a "dispensing room." Staff had to be creative in order to ensure that persons under the age of 21 could enter restaurants that hold a retail liquor license and Bar & Grill license holders, bowling alleys, coffee shops, etc. Microbrewery and Winery Permit holders wanted the ability of having under age persons enter their establishments as well. Because they do not have a commercial kitchen or family entertainment, and basically are considered a bar, the Licensing Authority, after proper notice and a public hearing, may allow persons under the age of 21 to enter or remain in the licensed building until the hour of 2:00 a.m. for the upcoming licensing period. This consideration will be for the 2018/2019 liquor licensing period.
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