New Branson liquor law in effect

The city of Branson's new liquor ordinance went into effect Thursday.

The new law, passed by the Branson Board of Aldermen in November, changes the process to apply for a new liquor license, including criminal background checks on all of the business' officers, partners, owners and majority stockholders.

Additionally, all liquor license holders are now required to provide alcohol education programs to all employees who serve or sell alcohol within three months of hiring, and individuals under the age of 21 cannot be in establishments serving liquor by the drink after midnight without a parent or legal guardian.

Existing liquor license holders must adhere to the new regulations by June 30.

The ordinance, according to a city news release, is designed to "keep streets safer from intoxicated drivers and to further prevent underage drinking."

Costs for city liquor licenses remain at 1.5 times the cost of a state license, but new applicants must pay $250 to submit an application and an additional $50 for secondary licenses.