What’s Brewing in Nevada?
Assembly Bill 375 would let restaurants sell mixed drinks for pickup or delivery in sealed containers. Right now, they can’t do this at all. The bill is sponsored by Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D) and Assemblyman Bert Gurr (R).
The bill spells out exactly how this would work. Drinks would need secure caps or lids that show if they’ve been opened. Each delivery must include proper ID checking with scanning technology. All delivery drivers would need alcohol education cards.
Why Freedom-Loving Conservatives Should Care
For those who believe government should stay out of the way of business, this bill hits all the right notes. It removes unnecessary regulations that currently block restaurants from selling a product that customers want to buy.
The bill takes a true small-government approach by leaving key decisions to local authorities. Cities and counties can add their own rules, charge their own fees, or even opt out entirely. This preserves local control – a core conservative principle.
The free market should decide what products succeed, not government regulators. This bill would create fair competition between restaurants and liquor stores, with customers ultimately deciding where they prefer to buy drinks.
When small businesses can offer more services, they hire more people. Restaurant owners who testified in support of the bill, like the owners of Ferraro’s and Golden Steer, see this as a way to boost their bottom line in challenging times.
The Opposition’s Arguments
The Nevada Resort Association opposes the bill because they worry about deliveries to casino areas.
At a March hearing, their representative Misty Grimmer said, “We don’t have an issue with people being able to order a pitcher of margaritas along with their tacos when they’re sitting at home having dinner,” but expressed concerns about resort deliveries.
Clark County also opposes the bill as written, though their representative Ashley Kennedy acknowledged appreciation for an amendment that would let counties opt out.
Some critics worry about underage drinking and public safety. The bill addresses these concerns with strict ID verification requirements. It even adds a surcharge of up to 50 cents per drink that would fund DUI prevention programs.
The Evidence: Does This Approach Work?
Nevada already tested this concept during 2020 when counties temporarily allowed alcohol deliveries during pandemic restrictions. The sky didn’t fall. Restaurants got a lifeline. Customers got convenience.
Iowa was the first state to permanently approve similar measures in 2020, and several other states have followed suit without major problems.
The bill includes safety measures like requiring sealed containers, proper ID verification, and limiting deliveries to the restaurant’s operating hours. It also requires regular compliance audits.
The Future Impact
If passed, the bill would take effect October 1, 2025. The Department of Taxation would first develop detailed regulations about how deliveries would work.
Local governments would then decide whether to participate or add their own rules. This could create a patchwork of policies across Nevada, with some areas embracing the change while others restrict or ban it.
Consumers would gain convenience and choice. Instead of having to drive to a liquor store or restaurant, they could have drinks delivered along with their meal – potentially reducing drunk driving incidents.
Restaurant owners would gain a new revenue stream at a time when many still struggle with rising costs. The bill could level the playing field between restaurants and liquor stores, who already can deliver their products.
Conservative Action Steps
If you support limited government and business freedom, call your state representatives. Tell them you support AB375 because it reduces regulations while preserving local control. Remind them that government shouldn’t pick winners and losers in business.
Contact your city council members about how they would implement the law. Would they add sensible safeguards or unnecessary red tape? Would they opt out completely? Make your voice heard at the local level.
Join with restaurant owners in explaining how this bill helps small businesses compete. Real job creators know that removing barriers to business is the best way to grow the economy.
Remind officials that this approach aligns with conservative principles: local control, personal responsibility, and free markets. Government’s role should be limited to basic health and safety concerns, not micromanaging what businesses can sell.
The Bottom Line
Assembly Bill 375 is about getting government out of the way and letting businesses and customers make their own choices. It’s about treating adults like adults. And it’s about letting the free market work without unnecessary restrictions.
For conservatives who believe in limited government, this bill represents exactly the kind of reform we should support – cutting red tape while protecting public safety and preserving local control.
And remember, even if this passes, you can vote with your wallet.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
