TULSA, OK – [Sept 10, 2018] – Beginning October 1, many changes to the Oklahoma law regarding the sale of alcohol will go into effect. Grocery stores, convenience stores and similar retail stores may begin selling refrigerated full-strength beer of up to 8.9 percent and wine up to 15 percent with the sale of low-point 3.2 going away. Other changes include:
Liquor stores will be the only retailer permitted to sell spirits but will also be able to sell refrigerated beer and wine.
Liquor stores will be the only retailer permitted to sell beer in excess of 8.9 percent and wine in excess of 15 percent.
Grocery, convenience and similar retailers may sell alcohol from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on any day.
Liquor stores may be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday.
Restaurants and bars may serve alcohol between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on any day.
Tulsa Health Department’s Regional Prevention Coordinator program (RPC) is hosting a New Alcohol Law Forum on September 17 at 2:00 p.m. at OU-Tulsa.
“An agent from Oklahoma’s Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) is conducting this forum with our program to address the states changing alcoholic beverage law,” said Marianne Long, RPC manager. “The presentation will go over the new laws and new license requirements for those who furnish alcohol in any setting.”
RPC currently offers free Responsible Beverage Service and Sales Training on a monthly basis at the 51st and 129th Tulsa Health Department location. Now with having a mandatory requirement for a class, the program has added more class times so individuals have more opportunity to ask questions and become informed.
“We want to make those who sell or furnish alcohol aware of the new laws and regulations with the guidance of the ABLE Commission and assist in properly answering any questions vendors may have,” said Long. “The goal is to ensure that expectations, liabilities and legal responsibilities are communicated to all licensees and their employees.”
For more information about the forum, please call 918-595-4513.
About Tulsa Health Department
Since its establishment in 1950, the Tulsa Health Department serves as the primary public health agency to more than 600,000 Tulsa County residents, including 13 municipalities and four unincorporated areas. The agency is one of two autonomous local health departments in Oklahoma, with statutory public health jurisdiction throughout Tulsa County and the City of Tulsa. THD’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all Tulsa County residents, in order to make Tulsa County the healthiest county in the country. THD was among the first health departments in the U.S. to receive national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. For more information, please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
About Regional Prevention Coordinators
Regional Prevention Coordinators is a grant funded program established to reduce the rates for underage drinking, adult binge drinking, and the non-medical use of painkillers within Tulsa County. The work of RPC is concentrated on population-level change in Tulsa County by assisting communities in determining the substance abuse problems affecting their constituents and the most effective strategies to address these problems. RPC works with local coalitions and stakeholders to gather data, track trends, and provide training and technical assistance within the community. Additionally, RPC provides support for town hall meetings and assists with local alcohol compliance operations.
For more information regarding the Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment or the Regional Prevention Coordinator (RPC) program at the Tulsa City-County Health Department, please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
