BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2127

By: Turner, Chris

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Reports indicate an increasing demand from cities and their residents for public entertainment spaces that allow patrons to move freely between restaurants and bars while consuming alcohol. However, it has been noted that current law prevents cities from providing areas in which patrons consuming alcohol are able to maneuver in this manner. H.B. 2127 seeks to address this issue by providing for the designation of public entertainment zones in which patrons can move freely between establishments while in possession of alcohol.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2127 amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to authorize the concessionaire for a public entertainment zone to allow a patron who possesses an alcoholic beverage to enter or leave a licensed or permitted premises within the zone if the alcoholic beverage satisfies the following conditions:

·         it is in an open container;

·         it appears to be possessed for present consumption;

·         it remains within the confines of the zone, excluding a parking lot; and

·         it was purchased legally at a licensed or permitted premises within the zone.

The bill defines "public entertainment zone" as an area of land that is owned and designated as such by a municipality with a population of 175,000 or more in a formal meeting and that contains a public safety facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.