Alaska bill aimed at lowering the ages for alcohol-servers and restaurant workers

Juneau, AK — Legislation that would allow workers as young as 18 to serve alcohol, as well as teens and 20-year-olds to work in restaurants that serve alcohol, is advancing in the Alaska Legislature.

Sponsored by Sen. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River), S.B. 15 would lower the age to serve alcohol from 21. Alaska is one of only three states – Nevada and Utah being the others – that require restaurant servers to be at least 21.

The bill, which has support from the restaurant and hospitality industries, advanced out of the state Senate with 19-0 vote on Feb. 10. Supporters contend it would allow businesses to expand their workforce.

Merrick notes that the bill does have limits for young workers. Workers between the ages of 18 and 20 would be allowed to serve only in restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries, but not package stores or bars.

A nearly identical bill (H.B. 189), sponsored by former Rep. Jesse Summer (R-Wasilla), passed both houses of the Legislature last year but was vetoed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) because it was one of five bills passed after the midnight deadline on the final day of the legislative session.

S.B. 15 includes a measure from Rep. Andrew Gray (D-Anchorage) that would require establishments serving alcohol to post signage stating that alcohol consumption is unsafe for pregnant women and can cause cancer.

The bill has been referred to the House Labor and Commerce Committee.