Alcohol Laws Modernized – 2018 Oklahoma Laws #2

Prohibited Acts by Commission Members and Employee

No member or employee of the ABLE Commission may:

• Be appointed or serve who has been convicted of a felony or of any violation of any federal or state law relating to alcoholic beverages;
• Directly or indirectly, individually or as a member of a partnership, or as a shareholder of a corporation, have any interest whatsoever in the manufacture, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages;
• Receive any compensation or profit therefrom, nor have any interest, directly or indirectly, in any business authorized by a license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The holding of membership or elective or appointed office in fraternal organizations which obtain licenses authorized by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act is not considered to be engagement in the alcoholic beverage business;
• Solicit or accept any gift, gratuity, emolument, or employment from any person subject to the provisions of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, or from any officer, agent, or employee thereof;
• Solicit, request from, or recommend, directly or indirectly, to any such person or to any officer, agent or employee thereof, the appointment of any person to any place or position, and every such person, and every officer, agent or employee thereof, is hereby forbidden to offer to any member or employee of the ABLE Commission any gift, gratuity, emolument or employment;
• Accept employment within the alcoholic beverage industry for any holder of a license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act; or
• Represent, directly or indirectly, any such licensee in any proceedings before the Director, the ABLE Commission or the Tax Commission within two years following separation from the ABLE Commission.

It’s a misdemeanor to violate any of the above. In addition to the penal provisions, any person convicted will be immediately removed from the office or position he or she holds.

It’s illegal for any member or employee of the ABLE Commission to lend, expend, or contribute any money, funds, property, or other thing of value, or use his or her official position for the purpose of securing the nomination or election or the defeat of any candidate for public office in the State of Oklahoma. This crime is a misdemeanor. The range of fine is $2,500–$5,000. The maximum jail time is one year. If found guilty, the individual will be discharged from the office or position he or she holds and will not be rehired to any state position.

Source: 37A O.S. § 1-110

 

Sale or Shipping of Alcoholic Beverages by Out of State Entities

It’s illegal to manufacture, rectify, sell, possess, store, import into or export from Oklahoma, transport or deliver any alcoholic beverage except as specifically provided in the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. Nothing in this law prevents the possession and transportation of alcoholic beverages for the personal use of the possessor and his or her family and guests, so long as the Oklahoma excise tax has been paid on that alcohol, except for beer. Nothing in this law prevents a person from making beer, cider, or wine, by simple fermentation and without distillation for personal use if the maker of such beverages has first applied for and possesses a valid personal use permit issued by the ABLE Commission; the total volume of beer, cider, or wine produced in any given calendar year must be less than 200 gallons. Beverages made pursuant to a personal use permit can’t be sold or offered for sale. A personal use license is also referred to as a “cider/wine” permit or a “hobby permit.” There is currently no fee for a personal use license. The application for a personal use license can be found here.The fee for this license is $0.

Any duly licensed physician or dentist may possess and use alcoholic beverages in the strict practice of the profession. Any hospital or other institution caring for sick or diseased persons may possess and use alcoholic beverages for the treatment of bona fide patients of such hospital or institution. Any drugstore employing a licensed pharmacist may possess and use alcoholic beverages in the preparation of prescriptions of duly licensed physicians.

The possession, transportation and dispensation of wine by any authorized representative of any church for the conducting of a bona fide rite or religious ceremony conducted by such church is not prohibited. The sale, shipping, or delivery of sacramental wine by any person holding a sacramental wine supplier license issued pursuant to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act to any religious corporation or society of this state holding a valid exemption from taxation issued pursuant to Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, 1954, and listed as an exempt organization in Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

The possession, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages within military reservations and in accordance with the laws and rules governing such military reservations is legal so long as the Oklahoma excise tax has been paid on such beverages.

It’s illegal for any manufacturer, wine and spirits wholesaler, beer distributor, or retailer of alcoholic beverages, located and doing business from outside Oklahoma, to make retail sales of alcoholic beverages to purchasers located in Oklahoma or to ship alcoholic beverages sold at retail to persons located in Oklahoma. This crime is a felony if the sale or delivery is made to a person under 21. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is five years. This crime is a misdemeanor if the sale or delivery is made to a person 21 or older. The maximum fine in either case is $5,000. If the person holds a license issued by the ABLE Commission, the license will be revoked.

Sources: 37A O.S. § 3-101 & Fee schedule for licenses

 

Sale of Beer Kegs – Identification Seal – Records of Sales – Theft of Keg from Purchaser

An identification seal must be affixed to beer kegs that are for sale.IT must be approved by the ABLE Commission and display an identification number and any other information that may be prescribed by the ABLE Commission. Intentional removal or defacement of the seal is a misdemeanor.

Anyone who purchases a beer keg and who fails to return the keg or who returns a keg with a damaged or missing seal shall be subject to a fine of $500.00.

Any licensed retailer who fails to report an individual to law enforcement who purchased a beer keg and who failed to return the keg or who returned a keg with a damaged or missing seal commits a misdemeanor. The minimum fine for the first and second offenses is $500. A third violation by a licensed retailer will result in the revocation of the retailer’s license for up to one year.

Anyone who purchases a beer keg that is subsequently stolen is not be liable for any penalty imposed if that person properly reported the theft of the beer keg to law enforcement authorities within 24 hours of the discovery of the theft.

Source: 37A O.S. § 3-104 

 

Direct Wine Shipper’s Permit – Direct Wine Consumer’s Permit – Rules – Duty of Common and Contract Carriers

No express company, common carrier, or contract carrier nor any representative, agent, or employee on behalf of the same may knowingly deliver any shipping container that contains an alcoholic beverage into Oklahoma, unless it complies with Oklahoma Law. No express company, common carrier, or contract carrier nor any representative, agent, or employee on behalf of the same may knowingly deliver any shipping container that is clearly labeled as containing an alcoholic beverage, including but not limited to the lawful shipment of wine under Oklahoma Law, to any person in this state who is under 21 at the time of delivery. It’s a misdemeanor for any express company, common carrier, or contract carrier that carries or transports alcoholic beverages for delivery within Oklahoma to violate Oklahoma’s law on the shipment of alcoholic beverages. The fine for the first offense is up to $2,500. The fine for the second offense is up to $5,000. The fine for the third and subsequent offenses is up to $10,000. An express company, common carrier and contract carrier will be held vicariously liable for the actions of its representatives, agents and employees for actions in violation of Oklahoma’s law on the shipment of alcohol.

Source: 37A O.S. § 3-106 

 

Sale of Alcoholic Beverages to Licensed Wine and Spirits Wholesalers

A manufacturer or subsidiary of a manufacturer who markets its products solely through a subsidiary or subsidiaries, a distiller, rectifier, bottler, winemaker or importer of alcoholic beverages, bottled or made in a foreign country, either within or without this state, must sell such beverages only to wine and spirits wholesalers. This does not apply to brewers.

Manufacturers can’t require a wine and spirits wholesaler or beer distributor to purchase any alcoholic beverages or any goods, wares, or merchandise as a condition to the wine and spirits wholesaler or beer distributor obtaining or being entitled to purchase any alcoholic beverages.

Violation of this law is a misdemeanor. Conviction automatically revokes the violator’s license.

Source: 37A O.S. § 3-116

 

Bottle Clubs

It’s a misdemeanor for a bottle club licensee, or employee, or agent of such a licensee to sell an alcoholic beverage to a member. The fine is $1,000. The club license will be revoked for 30 days.

It’s a misdemeanor for a bottle club licensee, or employee or agent of such a licensee to delivers or furnish an alcoholic beverage to a member that does not belong to the member The range of fine is $500.00–$1,000. The club license will be revoked for 30 days.

It’s a misdemeanor for a bottle club licensee, or employee or agent of such a licensee to permits any person who is not a member to enter and remain in the designated bar or lounge area of the club premises. The fine is $1,000. The bottle club license will be suspended for 30 days. No bottle club licensee, or employee or agent of such a licensee may serve alcoholic beverages to any person who does not possess a valid membership card for that club issued by the club.

Source: 37A O.S. § 3-127

 

Mixed Beverage Tax Permits

Every holder of a mixed beverage, if not catered, beer and wine, caterer, hotel beverage, public event, if not catered, or special event license, issued by the ABLE Commission, has to obtain a mixed beverage tax permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission prior to selling, preparing, or serving mixed beverages, ice, or nonalcoholic beverages that are sold, prepared, or served to be mixed with alcoholic beverages. Each licensee must file a verified application for a mixed beverage tax permit with the Tax Commission.

It’s a misdemeanor to engage in the above activities without a mixed beverage permit or after a permit has been suspended. The maximum punishment in jail is 60 days. The maximum fine is $1,000.

Source: 37A O.S. § 5-107

 

Possession of More than One Liter of Beverage with Excise Tax Levied but Unpaid

It’s a misdemeanor to possess more than one liter of alcoholic beverage, the bottle or other original container upon which the excise tax has not been paid as provided for by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. If you hold a license under the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, then your license will be subject to revocation or suspension by the ABLE Commission.

Source: 37A O.S. § 5-118

 

Invoices and Bills of Lading – Contents – Person Receiving Shipment to Demand and Retain Copy

Every manufacturer, wine and spirits wholesaler, beer distributor, or nonresident seller selling alcoholic beverages in Oklahoma, or selling alcoholic beverages for shipment into Oklahoma must, at the time such sale is made, make and deliver to the purchaser or transporter an invoice, bill of lading, manifest, or other document describing such alcoholic beverages, showing:

1. The date of such sale or delivery;
2. The name and ABLE Commission license number of the seller;
3. The point of origin of the movement of such alcoholic beverages and the destination of same;
4. The kind and quantity and a description of such alcoholic beverages, including the proof of all spirits;
5. The name and ABLE Commission license number of the purchaser;
6. The sale price; and
7. Such other information as the Oklahoma Tax Commission may, by form or rule, require.

Every invoice, bill of lading, manifest, or other document describing such alcoholic beverages, except beer, must be identified by consecutive numbers printed upon the invoice or document, and every seller and purchaser must account for each copy of his or her invoice and each number thereof.

Every common carrier and private carrier, and every person who transports any alcoholic beverages from any point within Oklahoma to any other point within outside Oklahoma, or into Oklahoma must at all times, while such alcoholic beverages are in transit, have in the possession of the driver or operator of the transporting carrier or vehicle the invoice, bill of lading, manifest, or other document describing the alcoholic beverages being transported.

Every manufacturer, wine and spirits wholesaler or beer distributor importing into or purchasing in Oklahoma any alcoholic beverage, and any retailer purchasing any alcoholic beverage in Oklahoma, must at the time of delivery or acceptance of such alcoholic beverage, demand and receive a proper bill of lading, invoice, manifest, or other document, particularly describing such alcoholic beverage and showing the proof of all spirits.

Every manufacturer, wine and spirits wholesaler, beer distributor, nonresident seller, and retailer must retain one copy of each invoice, bill of lading, manifest, or similar document covering all such sales and purchases by such licensee, as a part of the permanent records of such licensee for a period of at least three years.

A violation of this law is a misdemeanor—whether you are acting for yourself or as an agent or licensee. Any violation of the provisions of this law also constitutes grounds for the revocation by the ABLE Commission of any license issued under the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

Source: 37A O.S. § 5-125

Read More: How Does An Officer Determine Intoxication?

Matching of Alcoholic Beverages to Wholesaler Invoices

No mixed beverage, beer and wine, caterer, public event, or special event licensee nor any officer, agent, or employee of such licensee may possess or permit to be possessed on the premises, for which the license was issued, any container of an alcoholic beverage that isn’t listed on an invoice from the wholesaler from whom the alcoholic beverage was purchased, unless otherwise permitted by law.

All containers of alcoholic beverages that are on the premises of a mixed beverage, beer and wine, caterer, public event, or special event licensee and aren’t listed on an invoice from the wholesaler pursuant to the provisions of this law are considered contraband. Any duly authorized employee of the ABLE Commission or the Oklahoma Tax Commission is authorized to seize such containers or cases. Those seized containers or cases are subject to confiscation and forfeiture.

A violation of this law by any holder of a wholesaler, mixed beverage, beer and wine, caterer, public event, or special event license is a misdemeanor. Their license is subject to revocation or suspension.

Source: 37A O.S. § 5-137

 

Prohibition on the Consumption of Alcohol by Invitee Under 21

It’s illegal to knowingly and willfully permit someone under 21, who is an invitee to your residence, any building, structure, or room owned, occupied, leased or otherwise procured by you or on any land owned, occupied, leased, or otherwise procured by you, to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or controlled dangerous substance, in such place.

This crime is a misdemeanor for the first offense. The maximum fine is $500. If you violate this law within ten years of either 1) violating this same law; 2) violating the provisions of another state prohibiting the same activity; or 3) violating an ordnance in a municipal court of record that prohibits the same activity, then the maximum fine will be $1,000.

This crime becomes a felony after you have been twice convicted of violating this law, the provisions of any law of another state prohibiting this activity, a municipal ordnance from a municipal court of record prohibiting this activity, or any combination of the above. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is five years. The maximum fine is $2,500.

A violation of this law that causes great bodily injury or the death of a person is a felony. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is five years. The range of fine is $2,500–$5,000.

It is illegal to disturb the peace of any person:

1. In any public place, or in or upon any passenger coach, streetcar, or in or upon any other vehicle commonly used for the transportation of passengers, or in or about any depot, platform, waiting station or room, drink or otherwise consume any intoxicating liquor (unless authorized by law), intoxicating substance or intoxicating compound of any kind, or inhale glue, paint, or other intoxicating substance;
2. While drunk or intoxicated in any public or private road, or in any passenger coach, streetcar or any public place or building, or at any public gathering, from drinking or consuming such intoxicating liquor, intoxicating substance or intoxicating compound or from inhalation of glue, paint or other intoxicating substance; or
3. While drunk or intoxicated from any cause.

This crime is a misdemeanor. The range of punishment in jail is 5–30 days. The range of fine is $10–$100.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-101

 

Altering or Rendering Illegible Branding

It is illegal to erase, remove, obliterate, destroy, or render illegible in any manner any serial numbers, marks, brands, legends, license numbers, case numbers, or other information required by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act or by Acts of Congress to be attached or placed upon any original containers or cases containing alcoholic beverages before the contents of such packages or cases have been entirely removed. This crime is a misdemeanor.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-112

 

Failure to Possess Distiller’s License

It’s illegal to operate a whiskey still with the intent to produce alcoholic beverages. It’s also illegal to carry on the business of a distiller without possessing a valid and existing distiller’s license. This crime is a felony. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is three years. The range of dine is $2,500–$5,000.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-115

 

Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns

It’s illegal to file a false or fraudulent return in connection with any tax imposed by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. It’s also illegal to willfully evade, or attempt to evade, any alcohol tax. These crimes are felonies. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is three years. The range of fine is $2,500–$5,000.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-116

 

Failure to Possess Required License

It’s illegal to knowingly engage in any activity or perform any transaction or act for which a license is required under the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act without a license. The first offense is a misdemeanor. The range of punishment in jail is 30 days–6 months. The maximum fine is $2,500. A second and subsequent offense is a felony. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is one year. The maximum fine is $2,500.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-117

 

Unauthorized Sale, Possession, or Purchase of Alcohol

It’s illegal for any person holding a license issued pursuant to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act to sell or deliver an alcoholic beverage to any person not entitled to purchase or receive it (except as provided by law). It’s also illegal for any person holding a license issued pursuant to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act to have for sale any alcoholic beverage that he or she is not entitled to sell under the license. It’s also illegal for any person to buys an alcoholic beverage (either retail or wholesale) from any person other than a licensed dealer under the terms of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. This crime is a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment in jail is six months. The maximum fine is $1,500.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-118

 

Buying Alcohol With a Fake ID

It’s illegal for someone under 21 years of age to try to buy alcohol with a fake ID. It’s also illegal for someone under the age of 21 to enter a package store or a separate or enclosed bar area (as designated by the ABLE Commission). This crime is a misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $50.

Additionally, if a person is convicted or pleads guilty to a violation of this law in any court having jurisdiction over the offense, the court may order the Department of Public Safety to cancel or deny the offender’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle. Upon such order, the court must require that the operator’s or chauffeur’s license, if any, be surrendered to the Department of Public Safety. The cancellation or denial period will be for one year, or until the person reaches 21, whichever is longer.

Any person whose driver license is ordered cancelled or denied pursuant to this law may petition the court of original jurisdiction for review of the order. Upon notice and hearing, the court may modify or withdraw the order as the court deems appropriate except:

1. A court may not withdraw an order for at least 90 days following the issuance of the order if it is the first such order issued regarding the person named; and
2. A court may not withdraw an order for at least six months following the issuance of the order if it is the second or subsequent such order issued regarding the person named. If the Department of Public Safety receives written notice from the court of original jurisdiction that it has withdrawn such an order, the Department has to immediately reinstate any driving privileges that have been canceled or denied under this law, without requiring payment of a reinstatement fee.

Someone convicted of a violation of the provisions of this law has to complete a substance abuse prevention program conducted by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or a private entity approved by the Department. Such program must include at least two sessions, each of which shall be not less than two hours long.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-119

 

Selling, Finishing, or Giving Alcohol to an Underage Person

It’s illegal to furnish or give an alcoholic beverage to someone under 21. This crime is a misdemeanor for the first offense. The maximum punishment in jail is one year. The maximum fine is $500. A second and subsequent violation of this law is a felony. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is five years. The range of fine is $2,500–$5,000.  The ABLE Commission will revoke the license of any person convicted of a violation of this law.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-120 

 

Selling, Furnishing, or Giving an Alcoholic Beverage to an Insane, Mentally Deficient or Intoxicated Person

It’s illegal to knowingly sell, furnish, or give an alcoholic beverage to an insane, mentally deficient, or intoxicated person. The first violation is a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment in jail is one year. The maximum fine is $500. A second and subsequent violation of this law is a felony. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is five years. The range of fine is $2,500–$5,000.  The ABLE Commission will revoke the license of any person convicted of a violation of this law.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-121

Read More: After A DUI Arrest In Oklahoma, Should I Request A DPS Hearing Or Modified License With Interlock?

Hours of Operation to Sell Alcohol

It’s illegal to sell or keep a package store open to sell any alcoholic beverage during any day or hours not authorized by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. It’s also illegal to sell or permit the sale of alcoholic beverages at a grocery store, convenience store, or drug store during any day or hours not authorized by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The first violation is a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment in jail is one year. It is punishable by a fine of up to $500. A second and subsequent violation of this law is a felony. The maximum punishment in the Department of Corrections is five years. The range of fine is $2,500–$5,000.  The ABLE Commission will revoke the license of any person convicted of a violation of this law.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-123

 

Permitting a Person to be Intoxicated on Licensee’s Premises

It’s illegal for any licensee to allow a person to be drunk or intoxicated on the licensee’s licensed premises. This crime is a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment in jail is 30 days. The maximum fine is $100.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-124

 

Violation of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act

If a provision of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act does not prescribe a specific penalty, then the crime is a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment in the county jail is six months. The maximum fine is $500.

Provided, however, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any offense, including traffic offenses, in violation of any of the provisions of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act that is not otherwise punishable by a term of imprisonment or confinement will be punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one day in the discretion of the court, in addition to any fine prescribed by law.

Source: 37A O.S. § 6-125

These laws went into effect because Oklahomans approved State Question 792 in 2016. That ballot measure was codified in SB 383. Additional changes were made in SB 646.

Have you been arrested for violating an Oklahoma alcohol law? Contact Oklahoma City alcohol law attorney Frank Urbanic.

Don’t panic!

Call Urbanic.

405-633-3420