Gov. Nixon allows expanded options for beer drinkers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday signed legislation expanding where beer growlers can be sold while vetoing other proposed changes to state alcohol laws, including a measure to allow alcohol sales on smaller boats and one permitting people attending events in stadiums to order drinks on mobile apps.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, who sponsored the bill Nixon signed into law, said the policy changes build on past efforts by lawmakers to expand options for beer lovers. Other lawmakers said they hoped to overturn Nixon's actions to make the bill the governor vetoed into law anyway.

"We're always looking for ways to give new choices to consumers," said Schmitt, of Glendale.

Here's a breakdown of some of the major proposals that passed or were vetoed.

Passed

Convenience and grocery stores will be able to sell freshly-filled growlers when portions of Schmitt's bill take effect Aug. 28.

The jugs currently can be sold at breweries and some bars and typically are filled with unique brews that aren't sold in stores. Stores will be able to sell 32-ounce to 128-ounce growlers and can only fill them on demand.

Schmitt's legislation also will allow beer-makers to lease coolers to stores to keep beer frosty. Proponents say it will help consumers and the beer industry because it could mean more refrigerators to store cold beer. But craft brewers argued it could give an unfair advantage to larger breweries, such as St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, who can afford to buy more coolers.

The measure also expands a current law that allows bars and restaurants to offer self-dispensing beer to also permit self-dispensed wine. Bars and restaurants also won't be limited to setting up dispensers on tables, which is the current policy.

Vetoed

A bill Nixon vetoed Friday would have allowed smaller boats to sell booze. Currently, alcoholic drinks can be sold on boats licensed to carry 100 or more passengers. Sen. Brian Munzlinger's bill would allow alcohol sales on boats that can carry 30 or more people.

The legislation by the Williamstown Republican also would allow sports fans and other visitors to stadiums and arenas to order beer and other alcoholic beverages from their seats through mobile apps. Servers would need to check buyers' ages to verify they're old enough to buy alcohol.

Nixon, in his veto letter of the bill, cited a provision of Munzlinger's legislation that would allow the state's Wine and Grape Board to hire attorneys. He said it's unconstitutional to use state funds for a private purpose.

Munzlinger, a Williamstown Republican, said he's fairly certain he'll ask his colleagues to override Nixon's veto during a September veto session, and Rep. Justin Alferman, a Hermann Republican who ushered the measure through the House, said he'll push for an override if it makes it out of the Senate.

Alcohol bills are SB 994, SB 919.

Online:

Senate: http://www.senate.mo.gov

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