Bill allowing restaurant workers ages 18+ to serve alcohol headed to governor

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Restaurant workers ages 18 to 20 could soon be allowed to serve alcohol after a bill, which is now headed to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, passed the legislative regular session in the final hours.

One of more than 60 bills that passed this session, House Bill 189 supporters say this will mean an immediate boost for the hospitality industry.

Alaska is currently one of three states requiring employees to be at least 21 years of age to serve alcohol.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jesse Sumner, R-Wasilla, says this will help businesses dealing with labor shortages while offering younger employees higher-paying jobs under what supporters call appropriate supervision.

However, this legislation does not extend to adult entertainment businesses.

While the bill received strong support in the House and Senate, some lawmakers were concerned about unintended consequences associated with the bill, such as underage drinking.

“I hope that the compliance and the enforcement in this bill helps prevent those factors. But I just wanted to state those concerns on the record,” Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, said.

Rep. Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River, reminded lawmakers the bill does not allow minors to drink alcohol.

“It’s allowed to encourage minors to work in the hospitality industry, which is an important component of our tourism industry — one of our great growth industries — and the hospitality industry works very, very hard to comply with all the prohibitions and laws against youth consuming alcohol,” Saddler said. “You lose your job, you can lose your license.”

Under this legislation, a provision was added to update the posting of alcohol warning signs and the health risks associated with the consumption of alcohol.