Mississippi House approves measure to bypass ABC delays for alcohol purchases

The Mississippi House of Representatives approved a measure last week that would permit licensed businesses with alcohol permits to buy their stock from any willing provider if the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission does not fulfill their order within five days. The legislation, which would be in effect for two years, aims to address persistent delays at the agency.

The bill was amended from a Senate version through a strike-all amendment during a recent House session. The move follows a February House State Affairs Committee hearing, where ABC officials cited software issues and construction of a new warehouse as causes of delivery delays affecting liquor stores, restaurants, and casinos.

House committee chair Rep. Hank Zuber, a Republican, said there was a consensus that immediate action was necessary. “Nobody had a plan. We cannot wait,” Zuber said. Several lawmakers approached him afterward, expressing concern about the impact of the backlog on businesses that rely on timely alcohol deliveries.

The proposed legislation, dubbed the “Emergency Alcohol Distribution Act,” would allow businesses to purchase alcohol from any willing provider if ABC cannot deliver within five days. Rep. Brent Powell, also a Republican, clarified that businesses could order from alternative sources, including other distributors or out-of-state suppliers, if their original order is delayed.

The measure also extends this purchasing flexibility for up to two years, giving time for the ABC’s new warehouse to become operational and for the backlog to clear. The amendment did not alter existing tax structures related to alcohol sales. During debate, some representatives questioned why the issues had not been addressed sooner, with Rep. Chris Bell criticizing ABC’s long-standing management.

The strike-all bill passed the House with a vote of 112-2 and now moves back to the Senate for further consideration.

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