Signed by Governor Phil Bryant

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends alcoholic beverage regulations, effective July 1, 2018.

Highlights:

• Requires each club applying for a license to also file with the Department of Revenue at the time of the application a copy of its articles of association, the charter of incorporation, bylaws and other instruments governing their business and affairs (Sec. 1).

• Defines “club” as an association or corporation that is (Sec. 1):

• Organized or created under the laws of this state for a period of 5 years prior to July 1, 1966;

• Organized not primarily for pecuniary profit but for the promotion of some common object other than the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages;

• Maintained by its members through the payment of annual dues;

• Owning, hiring, or leasing a building or space suitable for the reasonable and comfortable use and accommodation of its members and their guests;

• The affairs and management of which are conducted by a board of directors, a board of governors, executive committee, or similar governing body chosen by the members at a regular meeting held at some periodic interval; and 

• No member, officer, agent, or employee of which is paid, or directly or indirectly receives, in the form of a salary or other compensation any profit from the distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages to the club or to members or guests of the club beyond such salary or compensation as may be fixed and voted at a proper meeting by the board of directors or other governing body out of the general revenues of the club. 

• Defines “qualified resort area” as any area or locality outside the limits of incorporated municipalities in this state commonly known and accepted as a place which regularly and customarily attracts tourists, vacationists, and other transients because of its historical, scenic, or recreational facilities or attractions, however, no area or locality can quality as a resort area until it has been duly and properly approved as such by the Department (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that “qualified resort area” includes any facility that is located in a municipality that is bordered by the Pearl River, traversed by Mississippi Highway 25, adjacent to the boundaries of the Jackson International Airport and is located in a county which has voted against coming out from under the dry law, however, any such facility may only be located in areas designated by the governing authorities of such municipality (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that “qualified resort area” also includes the clubhouse and associated 18 hole golf course located in a municipality traversed by Interstate Highway 55 and U.S. Highway 51 that has voted to come out from under the dry law (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text