Large Entertainment Facility Substance-free Seating Requirement

Section 1 of the bill requires an entertainment facility with a seating capacity of 7,000 seats or more to designate and enforce at least 4% of its seating capacity as substance-free seating. Substance-free seating is defined as seating where the use of alcohol, electronic smoking devices, marijuana, and tobacco (prohibited substances) is banned. Substance-free seating must include seats that are accessible to persons with disabilities and cannot be limited exclusively to seats that are higher than or farther away from the sport or entertainment activity relative to the majority of seats at the facility. Written policies and procedures, including those that enforce the ban on prohibited substances, are required. Signs regarding the ban must be prominently displayed in and around the substance-free seating sections.

Failure by an entertainment facility to comply with the requirement for designating and enforcing 4% or more substance-free seating is deemed "good cause" for refusal or denial of an alcohol beverage license renewal or initial license issuance by the state licensing authority as part of the existing regulatory scheme for such licenses. Failure to comply is also a basis for other license-related discipline, including suspension, revocation, or fine.

Sections 2 and 3 make conforming amendments to the statutory scheme for regulation of smoking. Section 4 makes conforming amendments to the statutory scheme for regulation of alcohol.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)