Osage Beach Approves Resolution Backing State Bill to Allow Lakefront Entertainment Districts

The Osage Beach Board of Aldermen voted Jan. 16 to approve Resolution 20‑51, expressing support for state legislation that would allow municipalities bordering the lake to create lakefront entertainment districts in which multiple liquor license holders may operate under a shared district license.

City Attorney Cole Bradbury explained that current state liquor law generally ties alcohol consumption to licensed premises and prevents carrying drinks between separate licensees. The proposed legislation—drafted with local input, Bradbury said—would permit an umbrella license for a defined district so patrons could carry alcoholic beverages between participating venues within the district if the property owners elect to allow that movement.

Bradbury emphasized that the resolution conveys support for the concept only; any district would require local ordinance to define boundaries, application rules and operational restrictions. He also said the bill’s draft was written to apply broadly to lake counties to avoid being classified as a special‑law favoring a single city.

Board members discussed examples including Margaritaville and the Lodge of Four Seasons and asked whether certain single businesses (Dog Days) would be affected; Bradbury said single‑premise operators would not need the district framework. The board also discussed the need to coordinate with developers whose mixed‑use projects could seek district status in the future.

The resolution passed on a voice/roll call vote. City staff said the next step is legislative consideration at the state level; if the bill passes, the city would create ordinances and an application process for any developers seeking district status.