SB 5490 - DIGEST

     Provides for the authority to allow franchisees, licensed and regulated by the state, to sell spirits at retail, but that to ensure the health and safety of the public, the state should continue to control wholesale sales of spirits, strong beer, and alcohol.

     Declares an intent to maintain current levels of revenue to the state from the sale of spirits, provide a system of controls to discourage the intemperate use of liquor, and obtain funds from the issuance of franchises to provide for alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs.

     Declares an intent to retain the state's current trained retail liquor sales work force following privatization.

     Authorizes franchises for a total of one hundred sixty-four retail liquor stores during the first five years.

     Authorizes board-contracted liquor agencies to continue to operate under existing agreements until January 1, 2001.

     Revises provisions for distribution of revenues from liquor sales.