HB1318

House Bill 1318 amends existing Arkansas law to expand the current excursion train alcohol permit system to include excursion boats. The bill defines an excursion boat as a vessel that operates on a navigable body of water on a fixed schedule and route for ticketed passengers. Operators of these boats would be eligible to apply for a permit to sell and serve alcoholic beverages on-premises during legal operating hours. The legislation establishes a $200 annual permit fee and requires that the permit be displayed on the vessel. It also permits the storage of alcoholic beverages on the vessel and at separate facilities to meet customer demand. Finally, the bill stipulates that sales are only authorized if the vessel is currently located in a territory where the sale of alcohol is legal.