'Happy hour' ban passes OK House

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Apr 28, 2005 by Journal Record Staff

The state House has approved Senate Bill 518, which would ban happy hour and drown nights at Oklahoma drinking establishments.

The bill will end promotions known as drown nights where beer is sold at a flat rate for bottomless drinks, according to House author Thad Balkman, R-Norman. The bill will also eliminate happy hour and penny beer rates from Oklahoma bar and restaurant establishments.

The proposed measure will make it illegal for bar and restaurant establishments to sell beer at a rate lower than the price regularly charged during the week. Already in law is a ban similar to this which makes it illegal to sell liquor drinks at happy hour and drown night promotions.

Balkman said when the Legislature makes it less attractive for people to drink to excess, we are in effect making it less likely that they will go out and drive drunk, or be abusive to family members.

If caught in violation, misdemeanor charges will be applied with a $500 fine for each offense. Balkman noted that several Oklahoma bars are in full support of his legislation.

Scott Woolum, owner/operator of Tapwerks Ale House and Cafe in Bricktown, has said he believes drown nights and penny beer nights are an embarrassment to this state's reputation. Woolum said that the promotion serve only one purpose and that is to encourage young people to drink as much as they can in an evening out.

Passing the House Tuesday on a 70-29 vote, the bill would normally return to the Senate. But Balkman made a motion to reconsider, which could hold the bill in the House for up to five days.