GA HB879

Department of Revenue required to develop and implement a statewide, centralized online application process for retailer alcohol license initial applications and renewals by January 1, 2021, with uniform procedures and forms that both the department and local governing authorities must use

Counties and municipalities where Sunday alcohol sales are already lawful via referendum may, through an additional referendum, extend Sunday sales hours from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 Midnight (previously 12:30 P.M.) for both on-premises consumption and package sales of beer, wine, and/or distilled spirits

Licensed packaged goods retailers authorized to deliver malt beverages, wine, and distilled spirits to customers within their local licensing jurisdiction using employees or third parties, subject to extensive requirements including age verification, background checks, department-approved training, same-day delivery, and prohibition on deliveries to schools, prisons, or substance abuse facilities; violations subject to fines up to $500 and delivery suspension of up to 30 days per violation

Retail package liquor stores authorized to conduct up to 52 tasting events per calendar year, limited to one event per day (maximum four hours), with serving limits of 8 oz for malt beverages, 5 oz for wine, or 1.5 oz for distilled spirits per consumer; manufacturer and wholesaler representatives may attend but not host or pour

Manufacturers and wholesalers permitted to provide samples of alcoholic beverages to retail dealers and their employees on licensed premises in areas closed to the public, and retail package store distance regulations from college campuses made subject to local governing authority discretion rather than fixed state minimums