MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2004 Regular Session

To: Finance

By: Senator(s) Doxey, Brown, Gollott, Hewes, Lee (47th), Albritton, Dawkins, Michel, Chaney

Senate Bill 2722

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH PRIVATE ENTITIES FOR FRANCHISE OF, AND THE FRANCHISING OF ALL RIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH, THE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THIS STATE; TO REQUIRE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH NOT LESS THAN EIGHT SERVICE TERRITORIES IN THE STATE IN WHICH PRIVATE SECTOR ENTITIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; TO PROVIDE THAT WITHIN EACH SERVICE TERRITORY THE STATE TAX COMMISSION SHALL AWARD NOT LESS THAN TWO NOR MORE THAN FOUR FRANCHISES FOR THE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THE SERVICE TERRITORY; TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY PRIVATE ENTITIES THAT ARE AWARDED FRANCHISES IN A SERVICE TERRITORY MAY DISTRIBUTE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT WHOLESALE IN THE SERVICE TERRITORY; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH A PRIVATE ENTITY FOR THE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SHALL PROVIDE FOR A NEGOTIATED ANNUAL ROYALTY PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT OF NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE GROSS WHOLESALE SALES OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY THE OWNER OF THE FRANCHISE AND SHALL PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO MAKE ANY REQUIRED PAYMENTS TO THE STATE TAX COMMISSION OR THE STATE OR FOR OTHERWISE VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE OWNER OF A FRANCHISE MAY SELL THE FRANCHISE TO ANOTHER PRIVATE ENTITY ONLY UPON APPROVAL OF THE SALE BY THE STATE TAX COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE THAT AMOUNTS PAID BY A PRIVATE ENTITY FOR THE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND ANNUAL ROYALTY PAYMENTS SHALL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE STATE GENERAL FUND; TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR A MANUFACTURER OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, OR ANYONE CONNECTED WITH THE BUSINESS OF A MANUFACTURER OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, TO HAVE ANY FINANCIAL INTEREST IN A FRANCHISE AWARDED UNDER THIS ACT, OR IN THE BUSINESS CONDUCTED BY THE HOLDER OF SUCH A FRANCHISE; TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR A MANUFACTURER OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, OR ANYONE CONNECTED WITH A MANUFACTURER'S BUSINESS TO LEND ANY MONEY OR MAKE ANY GIFT OR OFFER ANY GRATUITY TO THE HOLDER OF A FRANCHISE AWARDED UNDER THIS ACT OR TO AN EMPLOYEE OF THE HOLDER OF SUCH A FRANCHISE, EXCEPT AS AUTHORIZED BY REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE STATE TAX COMMISSION, TO SELL ALL REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE STATE AND UTILIZED BY THE STATE TAX COMMISSION IN CONNECTION WITH THE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY THE COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-71-5, 27-71-7, 27-71-9, 27-71-15, 27-71-21, 67-1-5, 67-1-9, 67-1-37, 67-1-41, 67-1-43, 67-1-45, 67-1-51, 67-1-77 AND 67-1-79, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY PRIVATE ENTITIES; TO PROVIDE THE ANNUAL PRIVILEGE LICENSE TAX FOR A WHOLESALE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION PERMIT; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXCISE TAX ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SOLD BY THE HOLDER OF A WHOLESALE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION PERMIT AND THE COLLECTION OF SUCH TAX; TO REQUIRE THE OPERATOR OF A VEHICLE TRANSPORTING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO POSSESS AN INVOICE ISSUED BY THE HOLDER OF A WHOLESALE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION PERMIT; TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF DISTRIBUTING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT WHOLESALE MAY BE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A BOND PAYABLE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI CONDITIONED THAT SUCH DISTRIBUTOR WILL CONDUCT HIS BUSINESS LAWFULLY; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE PURCHASE FOR THE WHOLESALE RESALE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE TAX COMMISSION SHALL NOT BE A WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO ISSUE A WHOLESALE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION PERMIT; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PERMITS SHALL AUTHORIZE THE HOLDER THEREOF TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FROM ANY MANUFACTURER OR IMPORTER, TRANSPORT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES INTO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, STORE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT THE PRIVATE BONDED WAREHOUSE OF SUCH PERMITTEE'S CHOICE AND SOLICIT ORDERS FROM AND SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO PERMITTEES WHO ARE AUTHORIZED TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT RETAIL; TO PROVIDE THAT RECORDS OF ORDERS MUST BE KEPT FOR THREE YEARS AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION BY THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL DIVISION AT ANY TIME; TO REQUIRE THE HOLDER OF A WHOLESALE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION PERMIT TO DELIVER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN THREE DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE ORDER; TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR THE HOLDER OF A WHOLESALE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION PERMIT TO HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN ANY PREMISES UPON WHICH ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE IS SOLD AT RETAIL; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 27-71-11, 27-71-13, 27-71-17, 27-71-19, 67-1-47 AND 67-1-49, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO REQUEST THE STATE BOND COMMISSION TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT FUNDS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE INVENTORY, REQUIRE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO PURCHASE DIRECTLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER, PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR SELLING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES NOT IDENTIFIED AS HAVING BEEN PURCHASED BY THE COMMISSION, REQUIRE DISTILLERS AND DISTRIBUTORS DEALING WITH THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO REGISTER WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND REQUIRE DISTILLERS HAVING CONTRACTS WITH THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO FILE STATEMENTS OF SALARY EXPENSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to seek efficiencies and cost savings from privatizing the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages in this state.

SECTION 2. (1) The State Tax Commission shall enter into contracts with private entities for the franchise of, and may franchise all rights associated with, the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverage in this state.

(2) The State Tax Commission shall establish not less than eight (8) service territories in the state in which private sector entities have the right to the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages. Within each service territory the State Tax Commission shall award not less than two (2) nor more than four (4) franchises for the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages in the service territory. Only private entities that are awarded franchises in a service territory may distribute alcoholic beverages at wholesale in the service territory.

(3) The State Tax Commission shall adopt rules to effect the transfer of the distribution of alcoholic beverages to private entities. The rules shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) The method of transfer that promotes efficiency and cost savings to the state while ensuring highest possible revenue for the state;

(b) Procedures designed to encourage vigorous bidding for alcoholic beverage wholesale distribution rights;

(4) Any contract entered into with a private entity for a franchise for the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages shall provide for:

(a) A negotiated annual royalty payment in an amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the gross wholesale sales of alcoholic beverages by the owner of the franchise.

(b) Penalties for failure to make any required payments to the State Tax Commission or the state or for otherwise violating the terms of the contract.

(5) The owner of a franchise may sell the franchise to another private entity only upon approval of the sale by the State Tax Commission.

(6) Amounts paid by a private entity for a franchise for the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages and annual royalty payments shall be deposited into the State General Fund.

SECTION 3. (1) It shall be unlawful for a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, or anyone connected with the business of a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, to have any financial interest in a franchise awarded under Section 2 of this act, or in the business conducted by such the holder of such a franchise.

(2) It shall be unlawful for a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, or anyone connected with his, its, or their business to lend any money or make any gift or offer any gratuity, to the holder of a franchise awarded under Section 2 of this act or to an employee of the holder of such a franchise, except as authorized by regulations of the commission. Except as provided in this section, the holder of a franchise awarded under Section 2 of this act or the employees of such a holder shall not accept, receive, or make use of any money or gift furnished by any such person, or become indebted to such person except for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

(3) The commission shall not prohibit the furnishing of advertising specialties, printed materials, or other things having nominal value to the holder of a franchise. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the possession by any person of advertising specialties, printed materials, or other things having nominal value furnished by the holder of a franchise.

(4) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

SECTION 4. (1) The Department of Finance and Administration, acting on behalf of the State Tax Commission, shall sell all real property owned by the state and utilized by the State Tax Commission in connection with the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages by the commission.

(2) The real property authorized to be sold by subsection (1) of this section shall be sold for not less than the current fair market value as determined by the averaging of at least two (2) appraisals by qualified appraisers who shall be selected by the Department of Finance and Administration and shall be certified and licensed by the Mississippi Real Estate Appraiser licensing and Certification Board. However, if no bid is received which is equal to the current market value after re-advertising the property, the property may be sold at auction to the highest bidder.

(3) Any funds received by the state for the sale of real property authorized to be sold by subsection (1) of this section shall be deposited into the State General Fund.

SECTION 5. Section 25-9-155, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-9-155. (1) The State Personnel Board shall grant part-time employees, as defined in Section 25-9-107(c)(xi), who are fully qualified, and time-limited employees, as defined in Section 25-9-107(c)(xiv), and all other nonstate service employees, who are fully qualified, preference over general public applicants for state service positions in the same manner that preference is given to employees in the state service, as defined in Section 25-9-107(b), for appointment in the state service.

(2) Through December 31, 2005, the State Personnel Board shall grant preference over all applicants for state service positions for appointment in the state service to persons who are dismissed from employment with the State Tax Commission as a result of removal of the commission from the responsibility for the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages pursuant to Section 2 of Senate Bill No. 2722, 2004 Regular Session.

SECTION 6. Section 27-71-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-71-5. (1) Upon each person approved for a permit under the provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and amendments thereto, there is levied and imposed for each location for the privilege of engaging and continuing in this state in the business authorized by such permit, an annual privilege license tax in the amount provided in the following schedule:

(a) Manufacturer's permit, Class 1,

distiller's and/or rectifier's........................ $4,500.00

(b) Manufacturer's permit, Class 2, wine

manufacturer ......................................... $1,800.00

wine manufacturer per 10,000 gallons or part thereof

produced.............................................. $ 10.00

(d) Native wine retailer's permit.......... $ 50.00

(e) Package retailer's permit, each........ $ 900.00

(f) On-premises retailer's permit, except

for clubs and common carriers, each................... $ 450.00

On purchases exceeding $5,000.00 and for each

additional $5,000.00, or fraction thereof............. $ 225.00

(g) On-premises retailer's permit for wine

of more than four percent (4%) alcohol by volume, but

not more than twenty-one percent (21%) alcohol by

volume (each)......................................... $ 225.00

On purchases exceeding $5,000.00 and for each

additional $5,000.00, or fraction thereof............. $ 225.00

(h) On-premises retailer's permit for clubs$ 225.00

On purchases exceeding $5,000.00 and for each

additional $5,000.00, or fraction thereof............. $ 225.00

(i) On-premises retailer's permit for

common carriers, per car, plane, or other vehicle..... $ 120.00

(j) Solicitor's permit, regardless of any

other provision of law, solicitor's permits shall be

issued only in the discretion of the commission....... $ 100.00

(k) Filing fee for each application except

for an employee identification card................... $ 25.00

(l) Temporary permit, Class 1, each........ $ 10.00

(m) Temporary permit, Class 2, each........ $ 50.00

On-premises purchases exceeding $5,000.00 and for

each additional $5,000.00, or fraction thereof........ $ 225.00

(n) (i) Caterer's permit.................. $ 600.00

On purchases exceeding $5,000.00 and for each

additional $5,000.00, or fraction thereof............. $ 250.00

(ii) Caterer's permit for holders of

on-premises retailer's permit......................... $ 150.00

On purchases exceeding $5,000.00 and for each

additional $5,000.00, or fraction thereof............. $ 250.00

(o) Research permit........................ $ 100.00

(p) Filing fee for each application for an

employee identification card.......................... $ 5.00

(q) Wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution

permit................................................ $1,800.00

In addition to the filing fee imposed by item (k) of this subsection, a fee to be determined by the State Tax Commission may be charged to defray costs incurred to process applications. Such additional fees shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of a special fund account, which is hereby created, and expenditures therefrom shall be made only to defray the costs incurred by the State Tax Commission in processing alcoholic beverage applications. Any unencumbered balance remaining in the special fund account on June 30 of any fiscal year shall lapse into the State General Fund.

All privilege taxes herein imposed shall be paid in advance of doing business. The additional privilege tax imposed for an on-premises retailer's permit based upon purchases shall be due and payable on demand.

Any person who has paid the additional privilege license tax imposed by item (f), (g), (h), (m) or (n) of this subsection, and whose permit is renewed, may add any unused fraction of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) purchases to the first Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) purchases authorized by the renewal permit, and no additional license tax will be required until purchases exceed the sum of the two (2) figures.

(2) There is imposed and shall be collected from each permittee, except a common carrier, solicitor, holder of an employee identification card or a temporary permittee, by the commission, an additional license tax equal to the amounts imposed under subsection (1) of this section for the privilege of doing business within any municipality or county in which the licensee is located. If the licensee is located within a municipality, the commission shall pay the amount of additional license tax to the municipality, and if outside a municipality the commission shall pay the additional license tax to the county in which the licensee is located. Payments by the commission to the respective local government subdivisions shall be made once each month for any collections during the preceding month.

(3) When an application for any permit, other than for renewal of a permit, has been rejected by the commission, such decision shall be final. Appeal may be made in the manner provided by Section 67-1-39. Another application from an applicant who has been denied a permit shall not be reconsidered within a twelve-month period.

(4) The number of permits issued by the commission shall not be restricted or limited on a population basis; however, the foregoing limitation shall not be construed to preclude the right of the commission to refuse to issue a permit because of the undesirability of the proposed location.

(5) If any person shall engage or continue in any business which is taxable hereunder without having paid the tax as provided herein, such person shall be liable for the full amount of such tax plus a penalty thereon equal to the amount thereof, and, in addition, shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

(6) It shall be unlawful for any person to consume alcoholic beverages on the premises of any hotel restaurant, restaurant, club or the interior of any public place defined in Chapter 1, Title 67, Mississippi Code of 1972, when the owner or manager thereof displays in several conspicuous places inside said establishment and at the entrances thereto a sign containing the following language: NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED.

SECTION 7. Section 27-71-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-71-7. (1) There is hereby levied and assessed an excise tax upon each case of alcoholic beverages sold by the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit to be collected from each retail licensee at the time of sale in accordance with the following schedule:

(a) Distilled spirits............... $2.50 per gallon

(b) Sparkling wine and champagne.... $1.00 per gallon

wines........................ $ .35 per gallon

(2) (a) In addition to the tax levied by subsection (1) of this section, and in addition to any other markup collected, the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit shall collect a markup of three percent (3%) on all alcoholic beverages, as defined in Section 67-1-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, which are sold by the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit. The proceeds of the markup shall be collected by the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit from each purchaser at the time of purchase.

* * *

(b) * * * The revenue derived from this three percent (3%) markup remitted to the State Tax Commission shall be deposited by the State Tax Commission in the State Treasury to the credit of the "Mental Health Programs Fund," a special fund which is hereby created in the State Treasury and shall be used by the State Department of Mental Health for the service programs of the department. * * *

The revenue derived from this tax and markup that is collected by the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit shall be remitted by the holder of the wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit to the State Tax Commission at times prescribed by the commission.

SECTION 8. Section 27-71-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-71-9. The commission may promulgate regulations authorizing persons holding on-premises retailer's permits for common carriers, as provided herein, to file periodic reports and pay a tax based upon the value of alcoholic beverages sold while in this state. * * *

SECTION 9. Section 27-71-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-71-15. Except as otherwise provided in Section 67-9-1 for the transportation of limited amounts of alcoholic beverages for the use of an alcohol processing permittee, if transportation requires passage through a county which has not authorized the sale of alcoholic beverages, such transportation shall be by a sealed vehicle. Such seal shall remain unbroken until the vehicle shall reach the place of business operated by the permittee. The operator of any vehicle transporting alcoholic beverages shall have in his possession an invoice issued by the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit at the time of the wholesale sale covering the merchandise transported by the vehicle. The commission is authorized to issue regulations controlling the transportation of alcoholic beverages.

When the restrictions imposed by this section and by the regulation of the commission have not been violated, the person transporting alcoholic beverages through a county wherein the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited shall not be guilty of unlawful possession and such merchandise shall be immune from seizure.

SECTION 10. Section 27-71-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-71-21. Before any person shall engage in the business of manufacturing, distributing or retailing of alcoholic beverages, he may be required to enter into a bond payable to the State of Mississippi, conditioned that he will conduct said business strictly in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi, and that he will comply with the rules and regulations prescribed by the commission, and pay all taxes due the State of Mississippi. The amount of bond required of a wholesale distributor shall be set by the commission; the amount of a bond required of a manufacturer, not including a producer of native wine, shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), and the amount required of a retailer shall be Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). Provided, however, any retailer whose check for purchase of merchandise or payment of taxes shall be dishonored may be required by the commission to post additional bond not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). Such bond shall be made in a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Mississippi and shall be approved by the commission. The commission shall be authorized to institute suit in the proper court for any violation of the condition of said bonds. The amount of the bond required of a producer of native wine shall be Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

As an alternative to entering into a bond as required by this section, any person who shall engage in the business of manufacturing, distributing or retailing alcoholic beverages may, subject to the same conditions of conduct required for bonds, deposit with the State Treasurer the equivalent amount of the bond required for that particular person in cash or securities. The only securities allowable for this purpose are those which may legally be purchased by a bank or for trust funds, having a market value not less than that of the required bond. The commission shall file notice with the Treasurer for any violation of the conditions of the cash or security deposit.

SECTION 11. Section 67-1-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-5. For the purposes of this chapter and unless otherwise required by the context:

(a) * * * "Alcoholic beverage" mean any alcoholic liquid, including wines of more than five percent (5%) of alcohol by weight, capable of being consumed as a beverage by a human being, but shall not include wine containing five percent (5%) or less of alcohol by weight and shall not include beer containing not more than five percent (5%) of alcohol by weight, as provided for in Section 67-3-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, but shall include native wines. The words "alcoholic beverage" shall not include ethyl alcohol manufactured or distilled solely for fuel purposes.

(b) * * * "Alcohol" means the product of distillation of any fermented liquid, whatever the origin thereof, and includes synthetic ethyl alcohol, but does not include denatured alcohol or wood alcohol.

(c) * * * "Distilled spirits" mean any beverage containing more than four percent (4%) of alcohol by weight produced by distillation of fermented grain, starch, molasses or sugar, including dilutions and mixtures of these beverages.

(d) * * * "Wine" or "vinous liquor" mean any product obtained from the alcoholic fermentation of the juice of sound, ripe grapes, fruits or berries and made in accordance with the revenue laws of the United States.

(e) * * * "Person" means and includes any individual, partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity whatsoever.

(f) * * * "Manufacturer" means any person engaged in manufacturing, distilling, rectifying, blending or bottling any alcoholic beverage.

(g) * * * "Wholesaler" means any person, other than a manufacturer, engaged in distributing or selling any alcoholic beverage at wholesale for delivery within or without this state when such sale is for the purpose of resale by the purchaser.

(h) * * * "Retailer" means any person who sells, distributes, or offers for sale or distribution, any alcoholic beverage for use or consumption by the purchaser and not for resale.

(i) * * * "Commission" means the State Tax Commission of the State of Mississippi, which shall create a division in its organization to be known as the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. Any reference to the commission hereafter means the powers and duties of the State Tax Commission with reference to supervision of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

(j) * * * "Division" means the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the State Tax Commission.

(k) * * * "Municipality" means any incorporated city or town of this state.

(l) * * * "Hotel" means an establishment within a municipality, or within a qualified resort area approved as such by the commission, where, in consideration of payment, food and lodging are habitually furnished to travelers and wherein are located at least twenty (20) adequately furnished and completely separate sleeping rooms with adequate facilities that persons usually apply for and receive as overnight accommodations. Hotels in towns or cities of more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) population are similarly defined except that they must have fifty (50) or more sleeping rooms. Any such establishment described in this paragraph with less than fifty (50) beds shall operate one or more regular dining rooms designed to be constantly frequented by customers each day. When used in this chapter, the word "hotel" shall also be construed to include any establishment that meets the definition of "bed and breakfast inn" as provided in this section.

(m) * * * "Restaurant" means a place which is regularly and in a bona fide manner used and kept open for the serving of meals to guests for compensation, which has suitable seating facilities for guests, and which has suitable kitchen facilities connected therewith for cooking an assortment of foods and meals commonly ordered at various hours of the day; the service of such food as sandwiches and salads only shall not be deemed in compliance with this requirement. No place shall qualify as a restaurant under this chapter unless twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the revenue derived from such place shall be from the preparation, cooking and serving of meals and not from the sale of beverages, or unless the value of food given to and consumed by customers is equal to twenty-five percent (25%) or more of total revenue.

(n) * * * "Club" means an association or a corporation:

(i) Organized or created under the laws of this state for a period of five (5) years prior to July 1, 1966;

(ii) Organized not primarily for pecuniary profit but for the promotion of some common object other than the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages;

(iii) Maintained by its members through the payment of annual dues;

(iv) Owning, hiring or leasing a building or space in a building of such extent and character as may be suitable and adequate for the reasonable and comfortable use and accommodation of its members and their guests;

(v) The affairs and management of which are conducted by a board of directors, board of governors, executive committee, or similar governing body chosen by the members at a regular meeting held at some periodic interval; and

(vi) No member, officer, agent or employee of which is paid, or directly or indirectly receives, in the form of a salary or other compensation any profit from the distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages to the club or to members or guests of the club beyond such salary or compensation as may be fixed and voted at a proper meeting by the board of directors or other governing body out of the general revenues of the club.

The commission may, in its discretion, waive the five-year provision of this paragraph. In order to qualify under this paragraph, a club must file with the commission, at the time of its application for a license under this chapter, two (2) copies of a list of the names and residences of its members and similarly file, within ten (10) days after the election of any additional member, his name and address. Each club applying for a license shall also file with the commission at the time of the application a copy of its articles of association, charter of incorporation, bylaws or other instruments governing the business and affairs thereof.

(o) * * * "Qualified resort area" means any area or locality outside of the limits of incorporated municipalities in this state commonly known and accepted as a place which regularly and customarily attracts tourists, vacationists and other transients because of its historical, scenic or recreational facilities or attractions, or because of other attributes which regularly and customarily appeal to and attract tourists, vacationists and other transients in substantial numbers; however, no area or locality shall so qualify as a resort area until it has been duly and properly approved as such by the commission.

(i) The commission may approve an area or locality outside of the limits of an incorporated municipality that is in the process of being developed as a qualified resort area if such area or locality, when developed, can reasonably be expected to meet the requisites of the definition of the term "qualified resort area." In such a case, the status of qualified resort area shall not take effect until completion of the development.

(ii) The term includes any state park which is declared a resort area by the commission; however, such declaration may only be initiated in a written request for resort area status made to the commission by the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and no permit for the sale of any alcoholic beverage, as defined in this chapter, except an on-premises retailer's permit, shall be issued for a hotel, restaurant or bed and breakfast inn in such park.

(iii) The term includes the clubhouses associated with the state park golf courses at the Lefleur's Bluff State Park, the John Kyle State Park, the Percy Quin State Park and the Hugh White State Park. The status of these clubhouses as qualified resort areas does not require any declaration of same by the commission.

(p) * * * "Native wine" means any product, produced in Mississippi for sale, having an alcohol content not to exceed twenty-one percent (21%) by weight and made in accordance with revenue laws of the United States, which shall be obtained primarily from the alcoholic fermentation of the juice of ripe grapes, fruits, berries or vegetables grown and produced in Mississippi; provided that bulk, concentrated or fortified wines used for blending may be produced without this state and used in producing native wines. The commission shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to permit a producer to import such bulk and/or fortified wines into this state for use in blending with native wines without payment of any excise tax that would otherwise accrue thereon.

(q) * * * "Native winery" means any place or establishment within the State of Mississippi where native wine is produced in whole or in part for sale.

(r) * * * "Bed and breakfast inn" means an establishment within a municipality where in consideration of payment, breakfast and lodging are habitually furnished to travelers and wherein are located not less than eight (8) and not more than nineteen (19) adequately furnished and completely separate sleeping rooms with adequate facilities, that persons usually apply for and receive as overnight accommodations; however, such restriction on the minimum number of sleeping rooms shall not apply to establishments on the National Register of Historic Places. No place shall qualify as a bed and breakfast inn under this chapter unless on the date of the initial application for a license under this chapter more than fifty percent (50%) of the sleeping rooms are located in a structure formerly used as a residence.

(s) "Wholesale alcoholic beverage distributor" means a person engaged in purchasing, transporting and storing alcoholic beverages within the State of Mississippi and selling at wholesale alcoholic beverages to permittees who are authorized to sell alcoholic beverages at retail.

SECTION 12. Section 67-1-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-9. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, distill, brew, sell, possess, import into this state, export from the state, transport, distribute, warehouse, store, solicit, take order for, bottle, rectify, blend, treat, mix or process any alcoholic beverage except as authorized in this chapter. However, nothing contained herein shall prevent importers, wineries and distillers of alcoholic beverages from storing such alcoholic beverages in private bonded warehouses located within the State of Mississippi, and nothing contained herein shall prohibit the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit from storing alcoholic beverages in private bonded warehouses located in the State of Mississippi for resale to authorized permittees. The commission is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the establishment of such private bonded warehouses and for the control of alcoholic beverages stored in such warehouses. Additionally, nothing herein contained shall prevent any duly licensed practicing physician or dentist from possessing or using alcoholic liquor in the strict practice of his profession, or prevent any hospital or other institution caring for sick and diseased persons, from possessing and using alcoholic liquor for the treatment of bona fide patients of such hospital or other institution. Any drugstore employing a licensed pharmacist may possess and use alcoholic liquors in the combination of prescriptions of duly licensed physicians. The possession and dispensation of wine by an authorized representative of any church for the purpose of conducting any bona fide rite or religious ceremony conducted by such church shall not be prohibited by this chapter.

(2) Any person, upon conviction of any provision of this section, shall be punished as follows:

(a) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail not less than one (1) week nor more than three (3) months, or both, for the first conviction under this section.

(b) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail not less than sixty (60) days, nor more than six (6) months, or both fine and imprisonment, for the second conviction for violating this section.

(c) By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary not less than one (1) year, nor more than five (5) years, or both fine and imprisonment, for conviction the third time under this section for the violation thereof after having been twice convicted of its violation.

SECTION 13. Section 67-1-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

[Until July 1, 2005, this section will read as follows:]

67-1-37. The State Tax Commission, under its duties and powers with respect to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division therein, shall have the following powers, functions and duties:

(a) To issue or refuse to issue any permit provided for by this chapter, or to extend the permit or remit in whole or any part of the permit monies when the permit cannot be used due to a natural disaster or Act of God.

(b) To revoke, suspend or cancel, for violation of or noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter, or the law governing the production and sale of native wines, or any lawful rules and regulations of the commission issued hereunder, or for other sufficient cause, any permit issued by it under the provisions of this chapter; however, no such permit shall be revoked, suspended or cancelled except after a hearing of which the permit holder shall have been given reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. The commission shall be authorized to suspend the permit of any permit holder for being out of compliance with an order for support, as defined in Section 93-11-153. The procedure for suspension of a permit for being out of compliance with an order for support, and the procedure for the reissuance or reinstatement of a permit suspended for that purpose, and the payment of any fees for the reissuance or reinstatement of a permit suspended for that purpose, shall be governed by Section 93-11-157 or Section 93-11-163, as the case may be. If there is any conflict between any provision of Section 93-11-157 or Section 93-11-163 and any provision of this chapter, the provisions of Section 93-11-157 or Section 93-11-163, as the case may be, shall control.

(c) To prescribe forms of permits and applications for permits and of all reports which it deems necessary in administering this chapter.

(d) To fix standards, not in conflict with those prescribed by any law of this state or of the United States, to secure the use of proper ingredients and methods of manufacture of alcoholic beverages.

(e) To issue rules regulating the advertising of alcoholic beverages in the state in any class of media and permitting advertising of the retail price of alcoholic beverages.

(f) To issue reasonable rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the federal laws or regulations, requiring informative labeling of all alcoholic beverages offered for sale within this state and providing for the standards of fill and shapes of retail containers of alcoholic beverages; however, such containers shall not contain less than fifty (50) milliliters by liquid measure.

(g) Subject to the provisions of * * * Section 67-1-51(3), to issue rules and regulations governing the issuance of retail permits for premises located near or around schools, colleges, universities, churches and other public institutions, and specifying the distances therefrom within which no such permit shall be issued. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division shall not allow the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on the campus of any public school or college, and no alcoholic beverage shall be for sale or consumed at any public athletic event at any grammar or high school or any college.

(h) To adopt and promulgate, repeal and amend, such rules, regulations, standards, requirements and orders, not inconsistent with this chapter or any law of this state or of the United States, as it deems necessary to control the manufacture, importation, transportation, distribution and sale of alcoholic liquor, whether intended for beverage or nonbeverage use in a manner not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or any other statute, including the native wine laws.

(i) To call upon other administrative departments of the state, county and municipal governments, county and city police departments and upon prosecuting officers for such information and assistance as it may deem necessary in the performance of its duties.

(j) To prepare and submit to the Governor during the month of January of each year a detailed report of its official acts during the preceding fiscal year ending June 30, including such recommendations as it may see fit to make, and to transmit a like report to each member of the Legislature of this state upon the convening thereof at its next regular session.

(k) To inspect, or cause to be inspected, any premises where alcoholic liquors intended for sale are manufactured, stored, distributed or sold, and to examine or cause to be examined all books and records pertaining to the business conducted therein.

(l) In the conduct of any hearing authorized to be held by the commission, to hear testimony and take proof material for its information in the discharge of its duties under this chapter; to issue subpoenas, which shall be effective in any part of this state, requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and records; to administer or cause to be administered oaths; and to examine or cause to be examined any witness under oath. Any court of record, or any judge thereof, may by order duly entered require the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books subpoenaed by the commission, and such court or judge may compel obedience to its or his order by proceedings for contempt.

(m) To investigate the administration of laws in relation to alcoholic liquors in this and other states and any foreign countries, and to recommend from time to time to the Governor and through him to the Legislature of this state such amendments to this chapter, if any, as it may think desirable.

(n) To designate hours and days when alcoholic beverages may be sold in different localities in the state which permit such sale.

(o) To assign employees to posts of duty at locations where they will be most beneficial for the control of alcoholic beverages, to remove, to dismiss, to suspend without pay, to act as a trial board in hearings based upon charges against employees. After twelve (12) months' service, no employee shall be removed, dismissed, demoted or suspended without just cause and only after being furnished with reasons for such removal, dismissal, demotion or suspension, and upon request given a hearing in his own defense.

(p) All hearings conducted by the commission shall be open to the public, and, when deemed necessary, a written transcript shall be made of the testimony introduced thereat.

(q) To adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for suspension or revocation of identification cards of employees of permittees for violations of the alcoholic beverage control laws, rules or regulations.

(r) To enforce the provisions made unlawful by Sections 67-3-13, 67-3-15, 67-3-53 and 67-3-70.

(s) To adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages.

[From and after July 1, 2005, this section will read as follows:]

67-1-37. The State Tax Commission, under its duties and powers with respect to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division therein, shall have the following powers, functions and duties:

(b) To revoke, suspend or cancel, for violation of or noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter, or the law governing the production and sale of native wines, or any lawful rules and regulations of the commission issued hereunder, or for other sufficient cause, any permit issued by it under the provisions of this chapter; however, no such permit shall be revoked, suspended or cancelled except after a hearing of which the permit holder shall have been given reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. The commission shall be authorized to suspend the permit of any permit holder for being out of compliance with an order for support, as defined in Section 93-11-153. The procedure for suspension of a permit for being out of compliance with an order for support, and the procedure for the reissuance or reinstatement of a permit suspended for that purpose, and the payment of any fees for the reissuance or reinstatement of a permit suspended for that purpose, shall be governed by Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be. If there is any conflict between any provision of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 and any provision of this chapter, the provisions of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be, shall control.

(c) To prescribe forms of permits and applications for permits and of all reports which it deems necessary in administering this chapter.

(e) To issue rules regulating the advertising of alcoholic beverages in the state in any class of media and permitting advertising of the retail price of alcoholic beverages.

(n) To designate hours and days when alcoholic beverages may be sold in different localities in the state which permit such sale.

(p) All hearings conducted by the commission shall be open to the public, and, when deemed necessary, a written transcript shall be made of the testimony introduced thereat.

(r) To adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages.

SECTION 14. Section 67-1-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-41. * * *

(1) No person for the purpose of sale shall manufacture, distill, brew, sell, possess, export, transport, distribute, warehouse, store, solicit, take orders for, bottle, rectify, blend, treat, mix or process any alcoholic beverage except in accordance with authority granted under this chapter, or as otherwise provided by law for native wines.

(2) No alcoholic beverage intended for sale or resale shall be imported, shipped or brought into this state for delivery to any person other than as provided in this chapter, or as otherwise provided by law for native wines.

(3) The commission may promulgate rules and regulations which authorize on-premises retailers to purchase limited amounts of alcoholic beverages from package retailers and for package retailers to purchase limited amounts of alcoholic beverages from other package retailers. The commission shall develop and provide forms to be completed by the on-premises retailers and the package retailers verifying the transaction. The completed forms shall be forwarded to the commission within a period of time prescribed by the commission.

* * *

(4) The commission shall maintain all forms to be completed by applicants necessary for licensure by the commission at all district offices of the commission.

(5) The commission may promulgate rules which authorize the manufacturer of an alcoholic beverage or wine to import, transport and furnish or give a sample of alcoholic beverages or wines to the holders of package retailer's permits, on-premises retailer's permits, native wine retailer's permits and temporary retailer's permits who have not previously purchased the brand of that manufacturer from the commission. For each holder of the designated permits, the manufacturer may furnish not more than five hundred (500) milliliters of any brand of alcoholic beverage and not more than three (3) liters of any brand of wine.

(6) The commission may promulgate rules disallowing open product sampling of alcoholic beverages or wines by the holders of package retailer's permits and permitting open product sampling of alcoholic beverages by the holders of on-premises retailer's permits. Permitted sample products shall be plainly identified "sample" and the actual sampling must occur in the presence of the manufacturer's representatives during the legal operating hours of on-premises retailers.

(7) The commission may promulgate rules and regulations that authorize the holder of a research permit to import and purchase limited amounts of alcoholic beverages from importers, wineries, distillers and wholesale distributors of alcoholic beverages * * *. The commission shall develop and provide forms to be completed by the research permittee verifying each transaction. The completed forms shall be forwarded to the commission within a period of time prescribed by the commission. The records and inventory of alcoholic beverages shall be open to inspection at any time by the Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division or any duly authorized agent.

SECTION 15. Section 67-1-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-43. Any authorized retail distributor who shall purchase or receive intoxicating liquor from any source except from the holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit, unless authorized by rules and regulations of the commission promulgated under subsection (4) of Section 67-1-41, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), nor more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), to which may be added imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months. Any authorization of such person to sell intoxicating beverages may be revoked as provided by law.

This section shall not apply to any authorized retail distributor who shall purchase native wines directly from the producer.

SECTION 16. Section 67-1-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-45. No manufacturer, rectifier, * * * distiller or wholesale distributor of intoxicating liquor shall sell or attempt to sell any such intoxicating liquor, except malt liquor, within the State of Mississippi, except as authorized in this chapter. * * * A producer of native wine may sell native wines to an * * * authorized retail distributor or directly to consumers.

Any violation of this section by any manufacturer, rectifier, or distiller shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), to which may be added imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six (6) months.

SECTION 17. Section 67-1-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-51. (1) Permits which may be issued by the commission shall be as follows:

(a) Manufacturer's permit. A manufacturer's permit shall permit the manufacture, importation in bulk, bottling and storage of alcoholic liquor and its distribution and sale to manufacturers holding permits under this chapter in this state and to persons outside the state who are authorized by law to purchase the same * * *. Manufacturer's permits shall be of the following classes:

Class 1. Distiller's and/or rectifier's permit, which shall authorize the holder thereof to operate a distillery for the production of distilled spirits by distillation or redistillation and/or to operate a rectifying plant for the purifying, refining, mixing, blending, flavoring or reducing in proof of distilled spirits and alcohol.

Class 2. Wine manufacturer's permit, which shall authorize the holder thereof to manufacture, import in bulk, bottle and store wine or vinous liquor.

Class 3. Native wine producer's permit, which shall authorize the holder thereof to produce, bottle, store and sell native wines.

(b) Package retailer's permit. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, a package retailer's permit shall authorize the holder thereof to operate a store exclusively for the sale at retail in original sealed and unopened packages of alcoholic beverages, including native wines, not to be consumed on the premises where sold. Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold by any retailer in any package or container containing less than fifty (50) milliliters by liquid measure. In addition to the sale at retail of packages of alcoholic beverages, the holder of a package retailer's permit is authorized to sell at retail corkscrews, wine glasses, soft drinks, ice, juices, mixers and other beverages commonly used to mix with alcoholic beverages. Nonalcoholic beverages sold by the holder of a package retailer's permit shall not be consumed on the premises where sold.

(c) On-premises retailer's permit. An on-premises retailer's permit shall authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages, including native wines, for consumption on the licensed premises only. Such a permit shall issue only to qualified hotels, restaurants and clubs, and to common carriers with adequate facilities for serving passengers. In resort areas, whether inside or outside of a municipality, the commission may, in its discretion, issue on-premises retailer's permits to such establishments as it deems proper. An on-premises retailer's permit when issued to a common carrier shall authorize the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages aboard any licensed vehicle while moving through any county of the state; however, the sale of such alcoholic beverages shall not be permitted while such vehicle is stopped in a county that has not legalized such sales.

(d) Solicitor's permit. A solicitor's permit shall authorize the holder thereof to act as salesman for a manufacturer or wholesaler holding a proper permit, to solicit on behalf of his employer orders for alcoholic beverages, and to otherwise promote his employer's products in a legitimate manner. Such a permit shall authorize the representation of and employment by one (1) principal only. However, the permittee may also, in the discretion of the commission, be issued additional permits to represent other principals. No such permittee shall buy or sell alcoholic beverages for his own account, and no such beverage shall be brought into this state in pursuance of the exercise of such permit otherwise than through a permit issued to a wholesaler or manufacturer in the state.

(e) Native wine retailer's permit. A native wine retailer's permit shall be issued only to a holder of a Class 3 manufacturer's permit, and shall authorize the holder thereof to make retail sales of native wines to consumers for on-premises consumption or to consumers in originally sealed and unopened containers at an establishment located on the premises of or in the immediate vicinity of a native winery.

(f) Temporary retailer's permit. A temporary retailer's permit shall permit the purchase and resale of alcoholic beverages, including native wines, during legal hours on the premises described in the temporary permit only.

Temporary retailer's permits shall be of the following classes:

Class 1. A temporary one-day permit may be issued to bona fide nonprofit civic or charitable organizations authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages, including native wine, for consumption on the premises described in the temporary permit only. Class 1 permits may be issued only to applicants demonstrating to the commission, by affidavit submitted ten (10) days prior to the proposed date or such other time as the commission may determine, that they meet the qualifications of Sections 67-1-11, 67-1-37, 67-1-51(2) and (3), 67-1-55, 67-1-57 (excluding paragraph (e)) and 67-1-59. Class 1 permittees shall obtain all alcoholic beverages from package retailers located in the county in which the temporary permit is issued. Alcoholic beverages remaining in stock upon expiration of the temporary permit may be returned by the permittee to the package retailer for a refund of the purchase price upon consent of the package retailer or may be kept by the permittee exclusively for personal use and consumption, subject to all laws pertaining to the illegal sale and possession of alcoholic beverages. The commission, following review of the affidavit and the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations, may issue the permit.

Class 2. A temporary permit, not to exceed seventy (70) days, may be issued to prospective permittees seeking to transfer a permit authorized in either paragraph (b) or (c) of this section. A Class 2 permit may be issued only to applicants demonstrating to the commission, by affidavit, that they meet the qualifications of Sections 67-1-5(l), (m), (n), (o), (p) or (q), 67-1-37, 67-1-51(2) and (3), 67-1-55, 67-1-57 and 67-1-59. The commission, following a preliminary review of the affidavit and the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations, may issue the permit.

Class 2 temporary permittees must purchase their alcoholic beverages directly from the commission or, with approval of the commission, purchase the remaining stock of the previous permittee. If the proposed applicant of a Class 1 or Class 2 temporary permit falsifies information contained in the application or affidavit, the applicant shall never again be eligible for a retail alcohol beverage permit and shall be subject to prosecution for perjury.

(g) Caterer's permit. A caterer's permit shall permit the purchase of alcoholic beverages by a person engaging in business as a caterer and the resale of alcoholic beverages by such person in conjunction with such catering business. No person shall qualify as a caterer unless forty percent (40%) or more of the revenue derived from such catering business shall be from the serving of prepared food and not from the sale of alcoholic beverages and unless such person has obtained a permit for such business from the Department of Health. A caterer's permit shall not authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages on the premises of the person engaging in business as a caterer; however, the holder of an on-premises retailer's permit may hold a caterer's permit. All sales of alcoholic beverages by holders of a caterer's permit shall be made at the location being catered by the caterer, and such sales may be made only for consumption at the catered location. Such sales shall be made pursuant to any other conditions and restrictions which apply to sales made by on-premises retail permittees. The holder of a caterer's permit or his employees shall remain at the catered location as long as alcoholic beverages are being sold pursuant to the permit issued under this paragraph (g), and the permittee and employees at such location shall each have personal identification cards issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the commission. No unsold alcoholic beverages may be left at the catered location by the permittee upon the conclusion of his business at that location. Appropriate law enforcement officers and Alcoholic Beverage Control Division personnel may enter a catered location on private property in order to enforce laws governing the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages.

(h) Research Permit. A research permit shall authorize the holder thereof to operate a research facility for the professional research of alcoholic beverages. Such permit shall authorize the holder of the permit to import and purchase limited amounts of alcoholic beverages from * * * importers, wineries, distillers and distributors of alcoholic beverages for professional research.

(i) Alcohol processing permit. An alcohol processing permit shall authorize the holder thereof to purchase, transport and possess alcoholic beverages for the exclusive use in cooking, processing or manufacturing products which contain alcoholic beverages as an integral ingredient. An alcohol processing permit shall not authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages on the premises of the person engaging in the business of cooking, processing or manufacturing products which contain alcoholic beverages. The amounts of alcoholic beverages allowed under an alcohol processing permit shall be set by the commission.

(j) Wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit. A wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit shall be issued only to private entities who are granted the authority to distribute alcoholic beverages at retail pursuant to Section 2 of Senate Bill No. 2722, 2004 Regular Session. Such permit shall authorize the holder thereof to purchase for resale, to store and to distribute to authorized permittees, alcoholic beverages. Such permit shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase alcoholic beverages from any manufacturer or importer for the purpose of resale in this state to permittees that are authorized to sell alcoholic beverages at retail. The holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit may transport alcoholic beverages into the State of Mississippi and store such alcoholic beverages in a private bonded warehouse of such permittee's choice for sale to permittees who are authorized to sell alcoholic beverages at retail. The holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit may solicit orders for alcoholic beverages from any permittee that is authorized to sell alcoholic beverages at retail. Records of such orders shall be kept and maintained for a period of three (3) years after the order is taken and shall be subject to inspection by the division at any time without prior notice.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, retail permittees may hold more than one (1) retail permit, at the discretion of the commission.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, no authority shall be granted to any person to manufacture, sell or store for sale any intoxicating liquor as specified in this chapter within four hundred (400) feet of any church, school, kindergarten or funeral home. However, within an area zoned commercial or business, such minimum distance shall be not less than one hundred (100) feet.

A church or funeral home may waive the distance restrictions imposed in this subsection in favor of allowing issuance by the commission of a permit, pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, to authorize activity relating to the manufacturing, sale or storage of alcoholic beverages which would otherwise be prohibited under the minimum distance criterion. Such waiver shall be in written form from the owner, the governing body, or the appropriate officer of the church or funeral home having the authority to execute such a waiver, and the waiver shall be filed with and verified by the commission before becoming effective.

The distance restrictions imposed in this subsection shall not apply to the sale or storage of alcoholic beverages at a bed and breakfast inn listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

(4) No person, either individually or as a member of a firm, partnership or association, or as a stockholder, officer or director in a corporation, shall own or control any interest in more than one (1) package retailer's permit, nor shall such person's spouse, if living in the same household of such person, any relative of such person, if living in the same household of such person, or any other person living in the same household with such person own any interest in any other package retailer's permit.

SECTION 18. Section 67-1-77, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-77. (1) It shall be unlawful for the holder of a manufacturer's permit, wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit, or anyone connected with the business of such holder, or for any other distiller, wine manufacturer, wholesale distributor, brewer, rectifier, blender or bottler, to have any financial interest in any premises upon which any alcoholic beverage is sold at retail by any permittee, or in the business conducted by such permittee; provided, however, the holder of a manufacturer's or wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit may contract for the service of a representative in the area of governmental affairs on a part-time basis with a holder of an on-premises permit.

(2) It shall * * * be unlawful for any such person, or anyone connected with his, its, or their business to lend any money or make any gift or offer any gratuity, to any retail permittee, except as authorized by regulations of the commission, to the holder of any retail permit issued under the provisions of this chapter. Except as above provided, no retail permittee shall accept, receive, or make use of any money or gift furnished by any such person, or become indebted to such person except for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

(3) The commission shall not prohibit the furnishing of advertising specialties, printed materials, or other things having nominal value to a retail permittee. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the possession by any person of advertising specialties, printed materials, or other things having nominal value furnished by a retail permittee.

SECTION 19. Section 67-1-79, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

67-1-79. * * * (1) Each delivery of any alcoholic beverage to a retail permittee shall be accompanied by an invoice of sale or delivery slip which shall bear as its date the date of delivery of such alcoholic beverage.

(2) The holder of a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution permit shall deliver alcoholic beverages ordered by retail permittees within three (3) days of the receipt of an order made by the retail permittee.

SECTION 20. Sections 27-71-11, 27-71-13, 27-71-17, 27-71-19, 67-1-47 and 67-1-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, which authorize the State Tax Commission to request the State Bond Commission to provide sufficient funds required to maintain an adequate alcoholic beverage inventory, require the State Tax Commission to purchase directly from the manufacturer, provide penalties for selling alcoholic beverages not identified as having been purchased by the commission, require distillers and distributors dealing with the State Tax Commission to register with the Secretary of State and require distillers having contracts with the State Tax Commission to file statements of salary expenses, are repealed.

SECTION 21. Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall be codified in Chapter 1, Title 25, Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 22. Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after their passage; the remainder shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 2005.