CASPER — Proposed legislation would increase the number of liquor licenses available statewide for restaurants with bars, but the bill faces stiff opposition from some business owners.
Supporters of the proposal, which would create 129 new “bar and grill” liquor licenses, say some national chains want to open restaurants that serve alcohol but can’t because of Wyoming’s restrictive laws. Lawmakers aren’t suggesting changes to the number of available retail liquor licenses.
“Some companies want to keep coming into the market, but they’re precluded from doing so,” local developer Randy Hall said. “Our licensing is monopolistic and anti-competitive.”
Any increase in liquor licenses is good for economic development, Casper city planner Craig Collins told the Casper Star-Tribune.
“I think if we want to see additional restaurants, we’re going to have to offer up more licenses,” he said.
Opponents of the bill include business owners who hold the state’s limited number of liquor licenses.
