BLOG: Beer refrigeration bill passes out of committee

BLOG: Beer refrigeration bill passes out of committee
Mark Hancock
Sen. Stephanie Bice defended Senate Bill 383 during a committee hearing on Feb. 26, 2015.

Despite some pushback from the liquor store industry and the anti-alcohol crowd, a bill to allow refrigeration of beer in Oklahoma liquor stores received unanimous passage at a Senate committee hearing Thursday.

But Senate Bill 383’s journey is far from over as it heads to the Senate floor.

“I knew it would be popular among the younger folks but I wasn’t sure how it would be perceived with other people,” said Sen. Stephanie Bice, R-Edmond, the freshman lawmaker who authored the bill. “I think 10 years ago if this topic had presented itself it may not have got the support it has now, but with the craft brew industry really flourishing in Oklahoma, Oklahomans want more [options].”

SB 383 was passed out of the Business and Commerce committee Thursday and will now be considered for a hearing in the Senate. Current state law does not allow beer to be refrigerated at liquor stores, which are the only outlets that can sell high-point beer.

Pick up a copy of next week’s Oklahoma Gazette for more coverage of this issue in the annual Alcoholmanac issue.

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