A Big Win to Kick off the 2024 Summer Season !
“
WELCOME
Letter from the President
BY SARAH OATES | ALASKA CHARR PRESIDENT & CEO
A Big Win to Kick off the 2024 Summer Season !
I am thrilled to announce that during the final minutes of the 33rd Legislative Session , HB 189 was passed ! This legislation will allow 18-20 yearold employees to serve or sell alcohol with a valid TAP card in most licensed restaurants , hotels , breweries , and other hospitality businesses across the state . This major victory becomes effective immediately once Governor Dunleavy signs the bill – just in time to expand the workforce for our busy summer tourism season .
On behalf of the hospitality industry , I want to express my sincere gratitude to the House Labor & Commerce Committee and its staff for sponsoring the bill that represented Alaska CHARR ’ s top legislative priority this session . Alaska CHARR ’ s Government Affairs Team worked around the clock to get this vital change across the finish line . This wouldn ’ t have been possible without all of our dedicated members and supporters . Your calls , emails , inperson visits , membership dues , and other advocacy efforts played a crucial role in getting HB 189 passed .
HB 189 ’ S OTHER KEY ELE- MENTS
“
I AM THRILLED TO
ANNOUNCE THAT DURING THE FINAL MINUTES OF THE 33RD LEGISLATIVE SESSION , HB 189 WAS PASSED ! THIS LEGISLATION WILL ALLOW 18-20 YEAR-OLD EMPLOYEES TO SERVE OR SELL ALCOHOL WITH A VALID TAP CARD IN MOST LICENSED RESTAURANTS , HOTELS , BREWERIES , AND OTHER HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES ACROSS THE STATE .
During the legislative process , HB 189 underwent some significant amendments that ensured broad , bipartisan support in both chambers , resulting in unanimous consent in the Senate and a sole No vote in the House :
• This bill also made some positive changes to the large resort endorsement and theater license types , allowing persons under 21 to remain on premises for other purposes under specific conditions . Alaska CHARR supported these changes .
• One amendment that barely passed the House Floor will change one of the required warning signs at alcohol establishments . The new warning signs will remove the smoking language and replace it with new language stating that alcohol can cause cancer . Alaska CHARR opposed this change . The Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office is responsible for printing and distributing the new signs to licensees , and this change becomes effective January 1 , 2025 .
WHAT ’ S NEXT ?
Our Government Affairs Team is coordinating with Governor Dunleavy ’ s office to have HB 189 signed as soon as possible ( and thus enable 18-20 year-old employees with valid TAP cards to immediately start serving alcohol ). There will also likely be accompanying regulations considered by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to put guardrails around these changes . We will keep you updated on additional developments .
Thank you once again for your unwavering support . Together , we have made a positive difference for Alaska ’ s hospitality industry .
At your service ,
ALASKA CHARR MAGAZINE | 3