(JUNEAU) – Senator Donny Olson, D-Nome, today introduced legislation to provide for a rural representative on the Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC).  Senate Bill 261 specifies that one of the three seats for public members on the ABC Board be designated as a rural seat.

“I think it is very important to have broad representation on the ABC Board”, said Senator Olson. 

Recently several rural communities repealed prohibitions on the local availability of alcohol, opening up the door to the possibility of opening bars and liquor stores, where none previously existed.

Olson added, “As a medical doctor in my professional life, I have seen firsthand the pain and suffering of Alaskan families fueled by alcohol use.  The ABC Board has the final say in how alcohol is sold and dispensed and I think local knowledge from rural Alaska on the board is essential.”

Senate Bill 261 was referred to the Senate State Affairs, Labor and Commerce Committees.

###