Over the last year, the Oklahoma Legislature has made steady progress to ensure businesses have the flexibility they need to adapt to the pandemic and offer shopping experiences that make consumers feel comfortable. During the 2021 Legislative session, legislators have been working diligently to continue to expand opportunities for businesses to meet consumer demand. Two bills, Senate Bill 757 and House Bill 2868, being heard this session offer new and continued opportunities for curbside sales, alcohol beverage delivery and drive-thru window options for liquor stores beyond the immediate needs of the pandemic.

“During 2020, Oklahoma consumers embraced new laws that made it safer and more convenient to purchase the beer, wine and spirits that they wanted either through curbside or delivery opportunities, and they want to continue to purchase their preferred alcoholic beverages in new, innovative ways,” said Lisette Barnes, President of the Oklahoma Beer Alliance. “Businesses across the state are eager to embrace change and the laws being discussed could open a lot of doors to new ways of doing business in Oklahoma.”

Last year, Senate Bill 1928 offered new ways for businesses to sell alcoholic beverages through curbside and delivery options. Senate Bill 757 could extend these options for businesses that include:

Allowing retail spirit licensees to sell curbside and deliver alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits in sealed original containers to consumers aged 21 and older.

Allowing small brewers and small-farm wineries licensed by Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission to sell curbside-only alcoholic beverages they produced in sealed original containers to consumers aged 21 and older.

Allowing restaurants, bars and clubs holding mixed beverage, beer and wine, or caterer/mixed beverage licenses issued by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission to sell curbside and deliver only closed packages of beer and wine to consumers aged 21 and older.

Allowing grocery and convenience stores holding a retail beer and/or wine license issued by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission to sell curbside and deliver original sealed containers of beer and/or wine to consumers ages 21 and older.

SB 757 could also authorize third-party vendors, such as DoorDash and UberEats, to make alcohol deliveries for small breweries, farm wineries and restaurants, bars or clubs. Payment for alcoholic beverage product delivery may be made by cash, check, transportable credit and debit card processors, and advance online payment methods.

SB 757 has won full House approval and is currently undergoing Senate review.

Additionally, HB 2868, which has been approved by the House and Senate, permits licensed spirit retailers to sell alcohol via drive-thru window. Sealed beverages can be served to consumers aged 21 and older. Orders can be done in person, over the phone, or online and picked up at a drive-thru location.

This week, HB 2868 received approval in the Senate.

“While the reopening process will be measured, these potential new additions and changes to Oklahoma law would allow businesses to continue to adapt and find ways to maintain sales, as well as allow more options for consumers to get the beverages they want,” said Barnes. “We look forward to continue working to support laws that allow businesses the flexibility they need, while also ensuring this is done in a responsible way.”

About Oklahoma Beer Alliance The Oklahoma Beer Alliance is dedicated to promoting common sense laws that enable Oklahomans to choose the highest quality products without compromise, while encouraging personal responsibility throughout our community that benefits the common good. For more information, please visit okbeeralliance.com.