LINCOLN — Beer-brewing and liquor sales could increase in Nebraska under a pair of bills lawmakers advanced Tuesday.
No senators raised opposition to Legislative Bill 861, which would allow retail outlets to sell beer and liquor starting at 6 a.m. on Sundays. The bill advanced to second round of debate, 30-0.
Under current law, Sunday morning liquor sales are banned statewide, although individual communities can allow beer sales.
LB 861, sponsored by Sen. Abbie Cornett of Omaha, would allow municipalities to continue the ban if their elected officials so choose.
Senators also advanced a bill that would allow small brewers to grow while maintaining their status as a microbrewery or brew pub.
Under current law, Nebraska microbreweries lose the ability to sell their beer in a pub or restaurant when they exceed production of 10,000 barrels per year. A barrel equals 31 gallons of beer.
Legislative Bill 780, introduced by Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, would raise the threshold to 20,000 barrels annually. Smith said Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. of La Vista and Empyrean Brewing Co. of Lincoln both expect to exceed 10,000 barrels of production soon.
The bill advanced to second-round consideration with 38 votes in favor.
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402-473-9587, joe.duggan@owh.com
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