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WELCOME
Letter from the President
BY SARAH OATES | ALASKA CHARR PRESIDENT & CEO
Session
It ’ s that time of year – the Legislature is in session , and they are off to a relatively slow start . While they prioritize for the next two years , CHARR ’ s Government Affairs ( GA ) Team is continuing work on the Title 04 rewrite . The 130-page alcohol reform bill , commonly referred to as Senate Bill ( SB ) 9 , was passed by the 32 nd Alaska Legislature last May and signed into law by Governor Dunleavy last June , making it the largest piece of legislation to be signed into law in Alaska ’ s history .
Though that bill is passed , there is much still happening . Regulations are being drafted by the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office ( AMCO ) and adopted by the ABC Board that include many specifics that were excluded from statute . The same group of key stakeholders – Lee Ellis from the Brewers Guild of Alaska , Tiffany Hall from Recover Alaska , former Senate President Peter Micciche , and I – continue to meet regularly with the AMCO team to ensure that the intent of last year ’ s bill is carried forward in those regulation projects . They are being drafted in chunks and put out for public review and comment . Stay tuned into our newsletters for information , as those public comment periods are your opportunities to provide input on possible changes that could impact your business !
In addition to the alcohol laws and regulations , the following topics have been at the forefront of our discussions . CHARR ’ s official legislative priorities will be released after our annual meeting and Legislative Summit March 14-15 . We hope to see you there !
Liability Insurance
Other than labor shortages , this is possibly our greatest concern this year . Liability insurance rates for liquor licensees have increased by as much as 700 % this year . We are having discussions with legislators , insurance providers , and other partners to find multiple solutions to this business detriment
Workforce Development
We are working with lawmakers at every level of government on labor issues . In January , I began my first term on the Board of Trustees for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation , along with its Program Strategy Subcommittee , where we are developing and expanding programs , marketing , and solutions to increase government-funded workforce development and build back a hospitality workforce . These programs include partnerships with the miliary ( active duty , family members , and veterans ), Department of Corrections , and the University of Alaska . State Legislators also have interest on this topic , which could be helpful .
Data Privacy
Legislation has popped up around the country ( including our state ) with intentions of protecting citizens ’ privacy and rights . However , many of these bills would have unintended yet significant implications for hospitality businesses .
Under 21 on Licensed Premises
There have been many discussions by the ABC Board , our GA team , and others about whether laws should be changed to expand privileges for persons under the age of 21 within establishments licensed to serve and / or sell alcohol , including being on premises for recreational purposes and allowing persons 18 + to sell alcohol .
Third Party Delivery Companies
We continue to hear ongoing concerns about third party delivery companies regarding liability issues , negative reviews of restaurants , lack of food safety , and noncompliance with Alaska law .
Stay tuned – there is much more to come on GA matters , and CHARR members are being sent weekly updates on these topics and others . Please contact our awesome new Membership & Grassroots Manager , Cassie Ostrander , at
costrander @ alaskacharr . com if you want to be more involved !
At your service ,
ALASKA CHARR MAGAZINE | 3