DE HB394

Increases minimum distance requirements for new off-premises alcohol licenses from 1,200 feet to 0.5 miles in incorporated cities/towns and from 1 mile to 2 miles in unincorporated/rural areas, measured by actual distance rather than driving route.

Allows new off-premises and taproom licenses within the increased distance zones if applicant provides a report showing either 1% yearly population growth of persons 21+ over 3 years or 3% growth in the past year within 0.5-1.5 miles of the proposed location.

Establishes a $50,000 application fee for new off-premises alcohol licenses, with $2,500 non-refundable upon submission; remaining fees distributed to Commissioner ($7,500), DATE ($15,000), and State Public School Improvement Fund ($25,000).

Charges a $5,000 non-refundable application fee for transfer or 50% or more change of ownership of off-premises licenses, distributed to Commissioner ($3,000) and DATE ($2,000).

Exempts clubs, farm wineries, brewery-pubs, microbreweries, and craft distilleries from the minimum distance requirements for off-premises consumption.