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Are Dry Counties in Oklahoma History After New Laws Pass?

Are Dry Counties in Oklahoma History After New Laws Pass?

Are Dry Counties in Oklahoma History After New Laws Pass?

When voters passed State Question 792 in November 2016, they chose to say goodbye to dry counties in Oklahoma. More laws just passed on June 26, 2018 allowing expanded alcohol sales in previously dry counties. Alcohol laws are changing dramatically statewide as a result.

State Question 792 took the first step toward modernization of alcohol laws. It standardized beer regulation across the state, doing away with the low-point distinction. Previously, approximately 14 dry counties did not allow any alcohol sales at bars and restaurants except low-alcohol-content beer at some establishments. The only place to buy alcohol was at liquor stores, and the only place to consume it was at home or friends’ houses.

With all beer sales standardized, establishments offering low-point beer in dry counties would have had to stop offering the beer. Instead, the Oklahoma ABLE Commission predicted that bottle clubs would open. These clubs would require members to pay for a membership, which would allow them to buy alcohol at a liquor store. Members could store the alcohol at the club and consume it there, similar to a bar.

Rather than seeing a rise in bottle clubs, the dry counties proposed “Liquor-by-the-Drink” sales laws. Fourteen counties put these laws on the ballot for the June 26, 2018 election, and all passed. This means alcohol laws will change enormously in those counties. Establishments will be able to serve full-strength beer and “liquor-by-the-drink” (like cocktails and shots) to customers starting October 1, 2018. Oklahomans will no longer have to go to liquor stores and consume alcohol only at home.

Some Oklahomans believe that the end of dry counties will bring big business opportunities. Sales at restaurants will increase, bars will open, and more people will spend money in town. But with more alcohol comes more choices to drive while under the influence. The previously dry counties could see a rise in DUI charges and convictions. More Oklahomans could face the inaccuracies of breathalyzer tests and the consequences of DUI arrests.

It will take time to see the impact of State Question 792 and the “Liquor-by-the-Drink” laws’ passage. People in those counties may notice an increase in alcohol regulations or laws on the ballot in coming months. Some may end up needing legal help because of an arrest for driving under the influence. Fortunately, Oklahoma DUI defense attorneys will be ready.

To learn more about legal representation for people charged with DUIs, seek out the local DUI attorney who cares about seeking the best outcomes for his clients. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor, is familiar with the pros and cons of jury versus bench trials. Schedule a case evaluation by visiting Patterson Law Firm online or calling Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.