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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