Last week Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed House Bill 132 into law. The most publicized piece of the bill allows Kansas City "festival districts" to obtain outdoor liquor permits for special events. Previously, only entertainment districts were able to obtain such permits, and the wording on what constitutes an "entertainment district" was so narrow that the Power & Light District was the sole beneficiary (i.e., such a district must be in the "city's central business district" and "designated as a redevelopment area").
Now, neighborhoods such as Westport can obtain this outdoor drinking permit, though it won't be easy. The permits only last for 48 hours; they're limited to two per month; they must cover an area open only to people of drinking age; and the permit seekers must get written support from at least 50 percent of the businesses, residents and property owners within the area.
The outdoor liquor permit is only one small part of Bill 132, which contains plenty of other rules and changes that could affect daily life.
As far as jobs are concerned: It repeals a provision that previously restricted employees with felony convictions from participating in retail sales at establishments with liquor licenses. That is, as long as the felony wasn't related to alcohol.
It opens up the possibility of growlers at bars with "45 or more different types of draft beer"; such bars can sell containers holding 32 ounces or more of beer for consumption off premises. It also bumps up the number of liquor licenses that one person can have in his or her name from three to five.
Other rules mainly have to do with wholesalers and prices, including new requirements on invoices and when their customers are to be made aware of prices. If you work in a liquor store, the bill is definitely worth going over with a fine-toothed comb . If you don't, enjoy your new freedoms and get ready for a lot of so-called festivals.
(Image via Flickr: Wally G)
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