Someone should look this up but, I seem to recall that Oklahoma is already one of the worst states for under age drinking.

It has nothing to do with craft vs. domestics. It is about who gets a cut on the way to the store shelf.

What's funny is that in states with a single strength beer, they're pretty much all on the 3 tier system, so it would just be bringing them into line. I'd say getting out of the delivery business (and just having to deliver to the 4 or 5 wholesalers, which offset any loss they get on the product price.

I do also think, as I mentioned above, this is as much being able to control shelf space and product placement as anything.

Someone should look this up but, I seem to recall that Oklahoma is already one of the worst states for under age drinking.

The most recent list I could find (from 2012) didn't have us in the top 10 (they didn't rank all the states). But increased availability has been tried to increased underage drinking, dui's, and abuse. It's why some states limit the number of liquor licenses.

Craft beer lovers must be rich, since it can cost a lot more.

I've pretty much gone to nothing but local craft, I rarely, if EVER, get anything from the big domestics.

As long as our growing craft beer industry keeps doing exactly that - growing, they will become more popular and they'll have the peoples support.
It's gotten to the point where even I think *most* (I use that loosely) of our legislators are slowly acknowledging that something has to change.

After all, we just have to tell them that they're losing out on sales tax dollars with each person who gets beer from across the border.


That poll is a joke. It asks if there would be "concern" that grocery store wine sales would give more booze access to minors. Well Im sure there is concern from everyone about it, but doesnt mean more booze will end up in minors hands. There are measures to prevent this. This poll was about perception, not about reality.

It's a joke because only 412 people were polled, that's reason enough for me to not take it seriously.

Let's just keep getting the word out and keep pressuring our legislators to pass more competitive and modern liquor laws. Send at least one email a month, just one, to both your representative and senator. Set up a monthly reminder to just send the same email and encourage them to get this stuff done.

Well, it's only partially a joke. Studies have shown that increased availability (especially at places where underage shoppers can access) does increase underage drinking. We just have to decide if that's worth the cost.

I'd hope that Wine in grocery would be located similar to how tobacco products are. Segregated, with limited access. Maybe even an entire section closed off to minors. I'm not to proud to admit that it was common when I was in high school (not that I ever did anything like this... cough cough) to go into the beer aisle and slip a couple of bottles into our pockets of our coats.

Personally, I care about single-strength beer much more than I care about wine in grocery stores. If I want wine, I don't mind going to the liquor store to get it. I think the idea of having a limited number of grocery stores that can sell wine by having package store owners "sell" their license to the grocer is a good idea.

However, as a beer lover, it would be nice to live in a state where beer is beer and can be purchased cold and after 9PM.

...

I'd hope that Wine in grocery would be located similar to how tobacco products are. Segregated, with limited access. Maybe even an entire section closed off to minors....

Lived in IL and WA and bought wine/beer in grocery stores in aisles that anybody could walk down, not sure how their underage drinking stats stack up against OK's, but I don't remember seeing massive amounts of horror stories about underage drinking problems in those states. It just seems ridiculous in the 21st century to keep people under 21 from walking down certain aisles of grocery stores. If kids want to drink, they will find a way, and yes, we can do reasonable things to try to keep them from doing it, but it'd be nice if we didn't go overboard "to protect the children"...

Personally, I care about single-strength beer much more than I care about wine in grocery stores. If I want wine, I don't mind going to the liquor store to get it. I think the idea of having a limited number of grocery stores that can sell wine by having package store owners "sell" their license to the grocer is a good idea.

However, as a beer lover, it would be nice to live in a state where beer is beer and can be purchased cold and after 9PM.

I wonder if a consequence of single strength beer will be the loss of the ability to purchase beer after 9 and on Sundays.

"To protect the children" is a classic, easy appeal to emotion to get people to voluntarily hand their rights over against their self interest. People line up to do it every time.

I wonder if a consequence of single strength beer will be the loss of the ability to purchase beer after 9 and on Sundays.

From everything I've seen, all beer up to 6% ABV would be handled in the same way 3.2 beer currently is. To get higher ABV beer than 6%, you would still need to go to a liquor store.

I wonder if a consequence of single strength beer will be the loss of the ability to purchase beer after 9 and on Sundays.

Liquor store's don't really want expanded hours so as a compromise as things are being worked out, that could very well be the case...

From everything I've seen, all beer up to 6% ABV would be handled in the same way 3.2 beer currently is. To get higher ABV beer than 6%, you would still need to go to a liquor store.

...and where did you see that? That makes no sense. Why would beer be limited to 6% when they are able to sell wine which is almost always over 6%?

From everything I've seen, all beer up to 6% ABV would be handled in the same way 3.2 beer currently is. To get higher ABV beer than 6%, you would still need to go to a liquor store.

It depends on if they will still consider beer over 3.2 a regulated alcoholic beverage. I know there was this section in the bill...


The space in which retail alcoholic beverages are sold or
displayed must be able to be secured, and shall be secured, by a
door or closure approved by the ABLE Commission during those times
that retail sales of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Alcoholic
beverages may be sold by the licensee on days and at times not
prohibited by law, rule or county prohibition.

...and where did you see that? That makes no sense. Why would beer be limited to 6% when they are able to sell wine which is almost always over 6%?

That is because wine would still be classified differently than beer 6% or lower and wouldn't be available at all grocery stores.

The reform supported by the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma is what will be best for all Oklahomans and would be the most likely to pass.

Oklahoma a step closer to cold beer in liquor stores, wine in... | www.fox23.com (http://www.fox23.com/news/news/local/oklahoma-step-closer-cold-beer-liquor-stores-wine-/nnf26/)

These are the changes.

-Oklahoma should move to single strength (“strong”) refrigerated beer for all outlets which currently sell either “3.2” or “strong” beer.
-As a matter of convenience, wine should be available for purchase in a limited number of grocery stores.
-Customers should be able to buy mixers, corkscrews, glassware, cigars and other items inside their local Retail Package Store.
-Customers should be able to order our products and have them delivered by a properly licensed employee of a Retail Package Store.
-Customers should be allowed to attend tastings inside the premises of a Retail Package Store.
-Customers should be permitted to bring their child with them into a Retail Package Store.
-Customers should be allowed to buy liquor, wine and beer from a Retail Package Store on Independence Day, Memorial Day & Labor Day.
-Customers should have access to growlers and “crowlers” filled and sealed at a Retail Package Store.

Doing it any other way is likely to have unintended consequences. For instance, if the state simply started allowing grocery stores to have package store licenses to sell strong beer and wine, there could end up being a situation where all alcohol sales are cut off at 9PM and on Sunday and holidays, with sales become completely banned in some Oklahoma counties that are still "dry". If you attempt to scrap the current two-strength system altogether in favor of one that allows all grocers to sell beer and wine, refrigerated, and during the same hours they currently sell 3.2 beer, it is unlikely that Oklahoma voters will vote in favor of it and it will be strongly opposed by the liquor lobby.

Liquor store's don't really want expanded hours so as a compromise as things are being worked out, that could very well be the case...

The RLAO is actually in support of sales on Sundays, just not expanding hours.

"To protect the children" is a classic, easy appeal to emotion to get people to voluntarily hand their rights over against their self interest. People line up to do it every time.

Well there is some data to back up increased availability causing more underage drinking (and drunk driving). Here's an able report (albeit from the early 90s).

http://rlao.org/ABLEReport-Accidents&Deaths.pdf


More than 70% of all alcohol-related accidents in the state of Oklahoma are the result
of the consumption of low-point (3.2) beer, primarily sold at convenience and grocery stores. Of
those, more than 70% involve those less than 21 years of age who have ready access to this
intoxicating beverage due to the plethora of access points. Between 1991 and 1993, for those
under 21 years of age, 3.2 beer was found to have been involved in 86% of all accidents
resulting in injury and in 80% of all fatalities that were investigated by ABLE.

Not related to OK laws, but was in Cincy this weekend and there is a liqour store on the KY side called The Party Source that is amazing and blows Spec's outta the water. Largest liqour store in the country (single location though)

Not related to OK laws, but was in Cincy this weekend and there is a liqour store on the KY side called The Party Source that is amazing and blows Spec's outta the water. Largest liqour store in the country (single location though)

Wow, had to go look that place up... they have a google tour on their website of the shop. Depending on what they define as "related" products I wonder if we could see something like that here if the new laws come to pass. The markup on liquor is so tiny that being able to carry items with better markups could maybe grow some really nice shops.

Wow, had to go look that place up... they have a google tour on their website of the shop. Depending on what they define as "related" products I wonder if we could see something like that here if the new laws come to pass. The markup on liquor is so tiny that being able to carry items with better markups could maybe grow some really nice shops.

Basically it has a Party Galaxy (less costumes) inside, a freaking 40 tap beer bar, a crowler station, a walk in cooler for beer (and tons of individual bottles). I mean, you can't really explain the place, which I guess is why they have the tour on their website.

I wonder if the polling was conducted in churches on a Sunday? ha-ha
You can be sure the oligarchs have influenced the numbers in some way.
Go to Texas and you will liquor stores that are 20-30 k square feet full of alcohol related items.
Total Wine and Liquor or Goody- Goody stores are fun to go in. Maybe the OK liquor retail association is worried the "little guy" does not have the capital for expansion?

If this makes it sound like I have a drinking problem....I don't. I drink maybe 2-3 beers a week and a mix drink on occasion. It is just kind of frustrating we don't have a free market here.

You realize the OK liquor retail association is pushing for these modernizations. The polling was put together with Sen. Bice, who is also a big advocate. They were trying to determine which issues/aspects would cause modernization bills to fail at the ballot.

You realize the OK liquor retail association is pushing for these modernizations. The polling was put together with Sen. Bice, who is also a big advocate. They were trying to determine which issues/aspects would cause modernization bills to fail at the ballot.

I would bet the counties, around 24, can automatically be marked as losers. Fortunately none are major population centers. I would bet Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid and Stillwater and Norman would pass it by decent margins.

I would bet the counties, around 24, can automatically be marked as losers. Fortunately none are major population centers. I would bet Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid and Stillwater and Norman would pass it by decent margins.

Yeah most of those counties are very sparsely populated. Do any of them actually pull significant weight?

Arkansas defeated a proposal for statewide liquor last fall. The two things really going against it is first, a large portion of the state's population resides in currently dry counties. Secondly, the Arkansas liquor lobby was against it because it would kill the business of wet/dry county line liquor stores.

However, the fact that 57% of the state voted against it goes to show there still is a lot of resistance towards more lax alcohol laws. Arkansas is a strange beast. The laws are very sensible in wet counties; full strength beer, Arkansas wine in grocery stores, liquor stores for everything else. Liquor stores can have refrigeration and sell accessories and non-alcoholic beverages. Dry counties there mean total prohibition. At least Oklahoma's dry counties have 3.2 beer.

That brings up another question that could have an impact in these rural counties. If counties currently ban alcohol sales other than 3.2 beer, what happens if 3.2 beer is done away with?

You realize the OK liquor retail association is pushing for these modernizations. The polling was put together with Sen. Bice, who is also a big advocate. They were trying to determine which issues/aspects would cause modernization bills to fail at the ballot.

Do you know if it can be put before the people next November without going through
the Joint Committee?

Do you know if it can be put before the people next November without going through
the Joint Committee?

The the two versions were different, so from what I understand is it would have to go through the joint committee and then the joint version would have to get revoted on in both chambers, then signed by the governor. Then scheduled for the ballot.

The the two versions were different, so from what I understand is it would have to go through the joint committee and then the joint version would have to get revoted on in both chambers, then signed by the governor. Then scheduled for the ballot.


I'm afraid if it goes to the Joint Committee they will kill it some how, some way.
:Smiley099

I think a lot of work is going on right now behind the scenes to come up with a version that would pass the committee. From what Sen Bice has said, they intended for it to get stalled this year, so they could work and hammer out something with the hope of getting it on the 2016 ballot.

Someone should look this up but, I seem to recall that Oklahoma is already one of the worst states for under age drinking.

Why is that pertinent? What about these changes will impact that?

Why is that pertinent? What about these changes will impact that?

Post #736

Post #736

Yeah, but will availability really be increased? Where will you be able to buy beer after reform that you are not able to buy beer at now?

Yeah, but will availability really be increased? Where will you be able to buy beer after reform that you are not able to buy beer at now?

There will be no new outlets selling beer. Everywhere currently selling 3.2 beer will be able to sell full-strength beer up to 6% ABV. If a grocer wants to sell wine, they have to purchase a license from an existing liquor store. This should put the "increased availability" concern to rest.

The big issue is that lot of people are uninformed about the entire 3.2 beer vs "6 point" debate. They think 6 point is giving them twice as much alcohol per beer. In reality, its usually 15-20% more (less for light beers). Honestly, I think 3.2 beer gives people an excuse to drink more than they otherwise would because they think they are getting half the alcohol. I knew a guy who downed a six pack of Bud and then got behind the wheel and he was like "I'm fine, its only 3.2 beer." In this case, you could say that low-point is giving people a false sense of security causing more intoxicated people to get behind the wheel.

The thing is, many opponents of modern laws have the same misconception and think that putting real beer on grocery store shelves is going to put more drunks out on the road.

So I recently moved to China for work. I have been living here for a few months now. Why does Oklahoma have more restrictive liquor laws than China? You can pretty much walk into any grocery store, convenience store, or mom and pop shop and buy beer, wine, liquor at anytime (as long as the store is open). The only place I've been so far that doesn't do this is the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an everywhere else it's pretty much lax on when you can buy alcohol and the type being sold.

So I recently moved to China for work. I have been living here for a few months now. Why does Oklahoma have more restrictive liquor laws than China? You can pretty much walk into any grocery store, convenience store, or mom and pop shop and buy beer, wine, liquor at anytime (as long as the store is open). The only place I've been so far that doesn't do this is the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an everywhere else it's pretty much lax on when you can buy alcohol and the type being sold.

I don't believe that China ever had a temperance movement like North America. It's the same way in Europe. A lot of the negative stigma that still surrounds alcohol in the U.S. stems from the temperance movement in the late 19th and early 20th century led by protestant Christian denominations. Here we are almost 100 years after Prohibition and its legacy is still with us.

So I recently moved to China for work. I have been living here for a few months now. Why does Oklahoma have more restrictive liquor laws than China? You can pretty much walk into any grocery store, convenience store, or mom and pop shop and buy beer, wine, liquor at anytime (as long as the store is open). The only place I've been so far that doesn't do this is the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an everywhere else it's pretty much lax on when you can buy alcohol and the type being sold.
I would simply assume the Chinese have a long tradition of knowing how to handle the presence of alcohol with moderation.

... Here we are almost 100 years after Prohibition and its legacy is still with us.

Oklahoma only repealed prohibition in 1959.
Prohibition | Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture (http://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=PR018)

So I recently moved to China for work. I have been living here for a few months now. Why does Oklahoma have more restrictive liquor laws than China? You can pretty much walk into any grocery store, convenience store, or mom and pop shop and buy beer, wine, liquor at anytime (as long as the store is open). The only place I've been so far that doesn't do this is the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an everywhere else it's pretty much lax on when you can buy alcohol and the type being sold.

Yeah, but in China that vodka you are drinking could be rubbing alcohol. No thanks to Chinese style market regulation.

Oklahoma only repealed prohibition in 1959.
Prohibition | Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture (http://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=PR018)

Hey, prohibition was good for me family. Not saying my great grandfather was a bootlegger... but....

I still remember them finally legalizing liquor by the drink. It's funny that voters can go one way or another on liquor laws. Most recently, as far as I know, we voted to allow liquor to be served while the polls are open (and liquor stores to be open on election day). But a little further back, we cut down the hours liquor stores were allowed to be open, and also when beer could be sold at grocery stores. I'd say any vote is a tossup, which is why I appreciate them doing some surveys to find out what would be most palatable.

Hey, prohibition was good for me family. Not saying my great grandfather was a bootlegger... but....

I still remember them finally legalizing liquor by the drink. It's funny that voters can go one way or another on liquor laws. Most recently, as far as I know, we voted to allow liquor to be served while the polls are open (and liquor stores to be open on election day). But a little further back, we cut down the hours liquor stores were allowed to be open, and also when beer could be sold at grocery stores. I'd say any vote is a tossup, which is why I appreciate them doing some surveys to find out what would be most palatable.

From what it seems, in recent decades Oklahomans have voted against laws they perceive would increase alcohol access to minors. That's why liquor by the drink was able to pass yet the state voted to decrease the hours of operation for liquor stores as well as regulate when 3.2 beer can be sold.

If the RLAO proposal goes to vote next fall, I think it will be a good indication of where the state is on alcohol in 2016. I think younger voters, especially in the two metro areas, would be overwhelmingly supportive of change. The older generation and rural areas however might be opposed to it. Overall I think whether or not reform passes depends on who turns out to vote.

I've heard a local big distributor is seeking to change some language in this legislation in order to ensure his company has some major advantages.
Anyone else heard this?

I've heard a local big distributor is seeking to change some language in this legislation in order to ensure his company has some major advantages.
Anyone else heard this?

Wouldn't surprise me. It's been said here that the biggest pushback against the RLAO proposal will be from the distributors.

I really understand where they are coming from. Though the laws were put in place by the thou-shalt-nots, the entire liquor industry in this state was built around them and change means there will be winners and losers. I don't think there is any solution that is going to satisfy everyone.

Spoiler free first impressions...

The First Spoiler-Free Impressions of The Force Awakens, Straight From the Premiere (http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-first-spoiler-free-impressions-of-the-force-awakens-1748095494)

From what it seems, in recent decades Oklahomans have voted against laws they perceive would increase alcohol access to minors. That's why liquor by the drink was able to pass yet the state voted to decrease the hours of operation for liquor stores as well as regulate when 3.2 beer can be sold.


But I thought the state legislature, not state initiatives, voted for those last two changes.

?It just doesn?t make sense,? Wineries say old liquor laws are hurting business | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2015/12/22/it-just-doesnt-make-sense-wineries-say-old-liquor-laws-are-hurting-business/)

I took a tour of Roughtail this weekend and they told us a little more about the crazy OK laws. One specifically I remember is that they can't just tap their own kegs at their taphouse that is connected to the brewery. They have sell to the distributors then buy it back at the higher price.

I took a tour of Roughtail this weekend and they told us a little more about the crazy OK laws. One specifically I remember is that they can't just tap their own kegs at their taphouse that is connected to the brewery. They have sell to the distributors then buy it back at the higher price.

Yup.. that is the big hurdle for tap houses in OKC. you can't just sell your own beer you made on premises. So stupid

A friend that has a client with major interest in this legislation told me it's likely not going anywhere. One particuliar distributor has clouded the bill with nonsense. He said the bill should be a simple one where the state can basically please people by selling wine in grocery stores and "strong" beer cold but apparently the language has complicated the issue. Too bad greed will cause the state to lag behind.

A friend that has a client with major interest in this legislation told me it's likely not going anywhere. One particuliar distributor has clouded the bill with nonsense. He said the bill should be a simple one where the state can basically please people by selling wine in grocery stores and "strong" beer cold but apparently the language has complicated the issue. Too bad greed will cause the state to lag behind.

So disappointing. I was hoping to vote on modern liquor laws next November. Any chance they could still come up with a compromise?

The thing is, there is no way to modernize in a way that will please everybody. Compromises have to be made. I wish they would just allow liquor stores to sell cold beer and open on Sunday. That would be enough to bring Oklahoma more in line with other states when it comes to actual convenience with minimal impact on businesses. So what if I have to make two stops instead of one.

So disappointing. I was hoping to vote on modern liquor laws next November. Any chance they could still come up with a compromise?

The thing is, there is no way to modernize in a way that will please everybody. Compromises have to be made. I wish they would just allow liquor stores to sell cold beer and open on Sunday. That would be enough to bring Oklahoma more in line with other states when it comes to actual convenience with minimal impact on businesses. So what if I have to make two stops instead of one.

My friend didn't sound like there was much of a chance there would be any compromise as the owner of the distributorship that is causing the problems cares about nothing but money…which he already has plenty of.

If things stay in the current archaic state they are currently he will continue to cash in. So he doesn't care one bit if there's progress.

My friend didn't sound like there was much of a chance there would be any compromise as the owner of the distributorship that is causing the problems cares about nothing but money…which he already has plenty of.

If things stay in the current archaic state they are currently he will continue to cash in. So he doesn't care one bit if there's progress.

Maybe there is somebody with plenty of money from the other side to circulate a petition, if there can't be legislative action. It would probably take at least $500,000 to employ enough signature takers. I suppose he might be subject to getting threats against his life for doing that, though.

I've also heard the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma is gearing up for a fight against any kind of liberalization of the laws.

I think there are too many competing interests in this state for real liquor reform to ever happen. The best the consumer can hope for is for liquor stores to one day be allowed to sell cold beer. All it would take is a statute change, but it would have to make it through the legislature without any special interest groups tacking something on that will kill it, which is very difficult.

Colorado and Minnesota are both much, much more progressive than Oklahoma politically and culturally. While there laws are a bit more permissive than Oklahoma they aren't by very much. If those states have been unable to update the archaic prohibition-era laws, it shows how difficult it is to actually do.

It will be interesting to see how long Payne County will go on with it's "reformed" liquor law, passed in 2012, in which all it did was allow liquor by the drink on Sundays, while not including holidays. So you got the strange irony in the Bible Belt in which it's okay to be served drinks stronger than 3.2% beer on the Lord's Day, Sunday, but not during holidays.

By the way, where were the Baptists back when legalizing liquor by the drink on Sunday passed by around 70% in Payne and Garfield Counties? Anyway, I reckon a state wide alcohol question on the ballot couldn't help but grab their attention, though.

It will be interesting to see how long Payne County will go on with it's "reformed" liquor law, passed in 2012, in which all it did was allow liquor by the drink on Sundays, while not including holidays. So you got the strange irony in the Bible Belt in which it's okay to be served drinks stronger than 3.2% beer on the Lord's Day, Sunday, but not during holidays.

By the way, where were the Baptists back when legalizing liquor by the drink on Sunday passed by around 70% in Payne and Garfield Counties? Anyway, I reckon a state wide alcohol question on the ballot couldn't help but grab their attention, though.


When did Cimarron Casino open, 2012/13 ? :wink:

You guys should come out to Oak n Ore on Wednesday for the craft beer summit with Senator Bice and others!

What the Ale: Beer summit slated Wednesday in OKC - Tulsa World: What The Ale (http://www.tulsaworld.com/blogs/scene/whattheale/what-the-ale-beer-summit-slated-wednesday/article_ebf2d5e0-5c1d-54a9-9d71-b9e054433604.html)

Bille, couldn't make it to the summit but would love to hear about the conversation. Saw Patrick Lively on the news so hopefully this received some attention.

Legislator: Oklahoma is missing out on festivals, opportunities due to alcohol laws | News OK (http://newsok.com/legislator-oklahoma-is-missing-out-on-festivals-opportunities-due-to-alcohol-laws/article/5472528)

It seems like there is a lot of excitement behind liquor law modernization this season. Hopefully the question makes it out of conference and onto the ballot. It will be a huge benefit to Oklahoma to finally do away with these draconian laws.

Something else I wish would be addressed at some point is the law requiring that ABC-3 licensed establishments clear out all patrons by 2AM. I am fine with a 2AM last call, but dumping drunks on the street seems counterproductive. In North Carolina, last call is 2AM but people tend to linger until 2:30 or so and bars can stay open as late as they want, they just can't serve alcohol past 2AM.

Crowd in Oklahoma City seeks to have state's beer laws changed | News OK (http://newsok.com/crowd-in-oklahoma-city-seeks-to-have-states-beer-laws-changed/article/5472405)

Bille, couldn't make it to the summit but would love to hear about the conversation. Saw Patrick Lively on the news so hopefully this received some attention.

You can watch the whole thing here: Watch (http://www.waftishow.com/watch)

I have a good feeling that SB424 (allowing brewers point of production sales >4%) will pass, I just hope it allows for on-premise consumption.

As for SB383, I'm worried that too much money is on the line and the large grocers/convenience want in. RLAO is strongly against complete, progressive reform allowing everything the grocers want obviously and I'm not sure there's enough compromise available yet. Let's hope,

Something else I wish would be addressed at some point is the law requiring that ABC-3 licensed establishments clear out all patrons by 2AM. I am fine with a 2AM last call, but dumping drunks on the street seems counterproductive. In North Carolina, last call is 2AM but people tend to linger until 2:30 or so and bars can stay open as late as they want, they just can't serve alcohol past 2AM.

Meh, I guess. I'm just not sure how much of a difference it really makes. Most bars do last call 15-25 minutes before 2am already. So this would just shift people drinking right up until 2 am.

I figure the ones most opposed to this would be the low paid hourly bartenders and staff...

Something else I wish would be addressed at some point is the law requiring that ABC-3 licensed establishments clear out all patrons by 2AM. I am fine with a 2AM last call, but dumping drunks on the street seems counterproductive. In North Carolina, last call is 2AM but people tend to linger until 2:30 or so and bars can stay open as late as they want, they just can't serve alcohol past 2AM.
Bars should have the right to close when they want to on Saturday and Sunday mornings.