New House Bill Authorizes Self-Serving Alcohol At Some Businesses

OKLAHOMA CITY – 

A new bill allows businesses authorized to sell alcohol to let customers self-pour beer and wine through automated machines.

House Bill 2380 allows patrons to pour their own drinks.

Patrons first must prove they are at least 21 years old to buy alcohol and use the machines.

Machines will automatically discontinue service upon reaching 32 ounces of beer and 10 ounces of wine.

An employee will then scan the wristband to see the exact amount the patron poured and charge accordingly.

Three years ago, Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ in Yukon became the first restaurant with self-pour machines, but they had to have someone who was licensed and of age to pour the drinks for the first two years.

Owner Eddie Steffensen then had a special law passed for them to use the machines, but now, all restaurants can use them.

“Whenever someone would need another glass, someone would need to come to get me from the office or the back of the store,” Steffensen said. “We would have to make sure we had someone who could take care of it, so [the new law] has definitely helped out with some labor issues.”

Steffensen said so far, the guests love the experience.

“They love going to try different things. It doesn’t cost a ton of money,” Steffensen said. “It’s just going to enhance the experience for everyone and keep them coming back.”