into law last Thursday, which will implement sweeping changes to Alaska’s alcohol statutes.
Retiring Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, has been the bill’s primary sponsor and said it was “an exciting moment” to see it signed into law. He explained that representatives of bars, breweries and public safety organizations spent thousands of hours negotiating a compromise agreement despite having vastly different priorities.
The legislation updates alcohol licenses in a way that better matches how Alaskans drink, supporters say. Breweries will be able to buy a license and operate like a traditional bar that serves food, and bar owners will be able to apply for a license to brew their own beer. “I think that would be more fun to have that kind of license that allows a little bit more freedom,” he said.