Four years ago we were given permission (by the DIRECTOR of the board of the state of Alaska alcohol and marijuana control office) to serve one complementary adult beverage (beer only, no liquor) to clients 21 and older with proper ID. We were given  rules  and stipulations to follow, which we did, but permission was recently taken away due to the ancient law below that we would like to change. We are not looking to serve like a bar, we are looking to give a free gift to our clients and non-clients as a “thank you” free of charge. It seems unreasonable to require an expensive beer/wine license just to give away one free gift. 

PETITION TO MODERNIZE ALASKA LAW REGARDING LIMITED ALCOHOL SERVICE IN PERSONAL CARE BUSINESSES

To: The Alaska State Legislature and the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office

Subject: Request to Amend AS 04.16.090 to Allow Limited Complimentary Alcohol Service in Licensed Personal Care Businesses

We, the undersigned residents of Alaska, respectfully request modernization of Alaska Statute 04.16.090 (Prohibition of Bottle Clubs) to reflect current business practices and consumer expectations.

Under current law, small businesses such as barbershops and salons are prohibited from offering even complimentary alcoholic beverages to adult customers without obtaining a full liquor license. This restriction places Alaska businesses at a disadvantage compared to many other states, where limited, regulated hospitality practices are allowed.

We support a reasonable amendment that would allow licensed personal care businesses (such as barbershops, hair salons, and spas) to provide complimentary, limited alcoholic beverages to customers under the following conditions:

Alcohol is provided free of charge, with no separate fee or implied purchase requirement
Service is limited to one standard drink per adult customer per visit
No alcohol sales are permitted under this exception
No advertising or promotion of alcohol as a primary business draw
Strict age verification (21+) is required
No service to intoxicated individuals
Businesses must follow clear guidelines set by the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office
This approach would:

Support small, local businesses in Alaska
Align Alaska with modern hospitality standards
Maintain public safety while allowing limited, responsible service
Reduce unnecessary regulatory burden without expanding alcohol sales
We believe this balanced approach preserves the intent of Alaska’s alcohol laws while allowing reasonable flexibility for customer experience.

We respectfully urge lawmakers to introduce and support legislation to amend AS 04.16.090 accordingly.