FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Alaska Department of Commerce has said it does not support a regulation draft that would prohibit onsite activities at alcohol manufacturing businesses.

Commissioner Julie Anderson had harsh criticism and serious concerns that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board’s proposed changes conflicted with department goals, The Daily News-Miner reported Friday.

“We have serious concerns that this regulation is overly restrictive, exceeds the legislature’s intent and does not support the Open for Business initiative. We will be discussing these concerns with the board,” Anderson said.

The Department of Commerce contains the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office which operates the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

The regulation draft would prohibit city breweries and distilleries from allowing festivals, games and competitions, classes, public parties, presentations or performances and other social gatherings advertised to the general public, officials said.

The changes would “better reflect the legislative intent that these licenses are manufacturers, not retailers,” Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office Director Erika McConnell said.

Board chair Bob Klein declined to comment.

There are plans to meet with and discuss the proposed changes with the control board, Anderson said.

A regulation draft was discussed in June 2018, and the change being considered is a revised proposal, officials said. Public comment is open through Oct. 4.

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Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com