MS HB1223

Authorizes governing authorities of specified municipalities (including cities in the three southernmost Mississippi counties, plus named cities like Jackson, Tupelo, and Hattiesburg) to establish one or more leisure and recreation districts by ordinance within corporate boundaries and modify their boundaries as needed.

Allows leisure and recreation district boundaries to extend into unincorporated county areas if the county consents and has voted to come out from under the dry law.

Establishes specific geographic boundaries for leisure and recreation districts in Jackson (bounded by Duling Avenue, State Street, and Old Canton Road plus 500 feet buffer) and Senatobia (five specific downtown street segments with 300 feet buffer).

Amends Section 67-1-51 to permit holders of certain alcohol permits (on-premises retailers, native wine retailers, temporary retailers, caterers, merchants, event venue retailers, and temporary theatre permits) to sell open containers of alcoholic beverages to patrons who may remove and consume them outside the licensed premises if located within a leisure and recreation district and patron remains within district boundaries.

Requires municipalities establishing districts to provide the Department of Revenue with ordinance copies, law enforcement verification of adequate public safety measures, and lists of existing permit holders in the district; effective July 1, 2016.