SB538 Summary

• Creates a new "public house" permit category for entities primarily engaged in selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, defined as individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations.

• Establishes a $2,500 permit fee for public houses, equivalent to the fee for large meeting or attendance facilities.

• Requires public house permit applicants to obtain a sales tax permit, receive Department of Health approval of the premises, and provide proof of general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $500,000.

• Extends existing on-premises alcohol sales regulations to public houses, including Sunday sales prohibitions, permit application requirements, and moral character standards for managers or operators.

• Allows public houses to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays when December 31 falls on a Sunday, consistent with restaurants and hotels.