HB 598 Summary

• Allows municipal corporations with a population exceeding 50,000 to create municipal entertainment districts, defined as bounded areas not exceeding one-half mile by one-half mile containing at least four A-2 or D permit holders.

• Exempts persons from open container laws when possessing beer or intoxicating liquor purchased from A-2 or D permit holders at outdoor locations within designated municipal entertainment districts.

• Establishes application process for permit holders seeking district designation, requiring submission to the mayor with map, description of establishments, zoning compliance evidence, and a handling fee, with municipal legislative authority approval required within 75 days.

• Limits the number of districts per municipality based on population: up to three districts for cities with 300,000+ residents, up to two for 150,000-299,999 residents, and one district for 50,000-150,000 residents.

• Allows municipal legislative authorities to dissolve districts by ordinance or resolution after public notice, with the Division of Liquor Control revoking all municipal entertainment designations for affected permit holders.