In February, Alaska Senators unanimously passed Senate Bill 15, lowering the age wait staff can serve alcohol in restaurants from 21 to 18.
On Wednesday, the Alaska House voted in favor of the legislation by a margin of 32 to 8.
Alaska is one of only three states, including Nevada and Utah, with a legal limit of age 21 for serving alcohol in restaurants.
Thirty-nine states set the minimum age for serving at 18. Five states, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, and Arkansas set the minimum age at 19. Two states, Michigan and Maine allow 17 year olds to serve alcohol and in Iowa, 16 year olds can serve alcohol in restaurants.
Under the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Kelly Merrick of Eagle River, 18-year-olds could serve alcohol in breweries, distilleries, wineries, hotels, lodges, resorts and restaurants. The minimum age to serve in a licensed bar or any venue offering adult entertainment, though, would remain 21 in Alaska.
“Senate Bill 15 strikes a responsible balance between economic opportunity and public safety,” said Merrick. “It supports Alaskan businesses and workforce while ensuring that alcohol regulations remain clear and enforceable.”
The legislation was pushed by lobbyists for the restaurant industry. Many eateries are struggling to find and keep workers, they say.
“Employers struggle to promote or retain quality employees who are 18-20 years of age because they are prohibited from serving alcohol or supervising other employees who serve or sell alcohol,” Sarah Harlow, the president and CEO of the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association said in a letter to lawmakers. “Alaska is not competitive in this space, and our industry is experiencing an outmigration of young workers.”
Eight Republican House members voted against the bill. Jamie Allard, Delana Johnson, Kevin McCabe, Elexie Moore, George Rauscher, Cathy Tilton, Jubilee Underwood, and Sarah Vance.
Rep. Vance, R-Homer, says she supports the current minimum serving age. She doesn’t think it makes sense to tell Alaskans that they can serve alcohol but not drink it.
“It felt like we’re putting a moral juxtaposition for those in that age range, and it’s just not fair,” Vance said.
The bill also requires bars and other businesses selling alcohol, like liquor stores, to post signs warning that alcohol is linked to an elevated risk of cancer.
Alaska has some of the highest percentage of problem drinkers in the nation ranking 39th worst. According to The United Health Foundation, 18% of Alaskans binge drink. The national average is 16%.
The bill goes next to the governor’s desk, where he can sign it, veto it, or allow it to slip into law by ignoring it.
Dan Fagan reports and writes columns for Must Read Alaska. He’s covered Alaska politics for close to 30-years. He currently hosts a morning drive radio talk show on 1020 am 92.5 and 104.5 fm on KVNT. For news tips, email Dan at [email protected].
It’s not like handing someone a beer is going to get you drunk. 😉
Laws like this are common sense. What is surprising is that the legislature took so long to pass such a law. Well, I guess it’s not so surprising now that I’ve thought about it.
If Merrick’s the sponsorette, is it reasonable to assume it’s all about some damned union wanting more dues-paying members, more proxy voters, and paying a lobbyist to tell Merrick to make it happen?
Hey Sarah Vance. It’s not “fair” that my six year old can ride in a car, but can’t legally drive one. Life is so unfair. You know what’s “unfair”? Being old enough to serve in the military in distant lands but when you come home you can’t legally drink or serve a beer. Stupid is as stupid does and our elected representatives sure seem to have fun dictating the terms of our lives, whether they apply logic or not. Sarah please try to focus on more important matters. Thanks.
Great, so the 18 to 20 year olds can now legally serve alcohol to their friends – because hey, which of their friends who have fake IDs or no IDs at all, are they not going to serve?
What you’re describing would be illegal, but who cares if an 18 year old drinks? Something magic happen at 21?
In all honesty, since the age of enlistment is 18(17 with parental approval), then the legal age for drinking should match it.
Exactly!
Can a customer card their waiter to make sure they are old enough to serve us alcoholic beverages? That would be a hoot!
If 18-year-olds are allowed to wear their country’s uniform and serve explosive ordnance downrange, who the hell cares what they serve in bars?
In full agreement, thanks for comment
When I served in restaurants I could always deliver beer and wine. I was 16-18 at those times. 🤔