Liquor Licenses Can Be Granted Near Churches, Schools

August 8, 2018

On August 2, 2018, SB2436 became law, allowing liquor commissioners to grant liquor licenses to establishments within 100 feet of schools, churches, and certain other buildings.

Please note that the local liquor code must expressly allow for the liquor commissioner to grant the exemption from what is otherwise the default 100-foot statutory distance requirement. The liquor commissioner must also exercise his or her right to grant the exemption. It is not automatically granted even if the liquor code allows for the exemption.

A municipality interested in allowing the new exemption should review its liquor code and amend it to comport with the statutory requirement.