New Alabama Law Allows Curbside Alcohol Sales

In an effort to ease the financial strain of COVID-19 on purveyors of alcoholic beverages, in mid-March 2020, the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board temporarily authorized curbside sales of alcohol. That emergency rule expired. However, the Alabama Legislature has since signed into law legislation permitting--with certain restrictions--curbside alcohol sales, and beer and wine drive-thru sales.

Beginning July 1, 2022, on-premises and/or off-premises retail licensees may sell alcohol for off-premises consumption using curbside or takeout services. Employees handling pick-up and takeout alcohol sales must be 21 years old or older. Alcohol sold pursuant to this new provision must be in sealed unopened containers not to exceed:

• One liter of liquor per customer,
• 1400 milliliters of table wine per customer,
• 288 ounces of beer per customer,
• Draft beer sales are permitted only where draft sales are authorized and only if the container is sealed.

Although the new law contemplates drive-thru sales, it is important to note drive-thru sales are not currently authorized. The new law simply directs the ABC Board to adopt rules to implement drive-thru sales on or before January 1, 2023. So, be on the lookout for ABC rule changes between now and January 1, 2023, outlining the terms and conditions permitting drive-thru sales.

To learn more about Alabama Alcoholic Regulations, see M. Jansens Voss' Seven-Part Series on Alabama Alcoholic Regulations

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