Alabama's Sunday Beer Buying Laws Explained

Alabama has strict laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. While the state is not dry, it has several dry counties, and the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays in many parts of the state. However, this varies by location, with some counties and cities allowing Sunday sales and others maintaining a ban. So, can you buy beer on a Sunday in Alabama? The answer is: it depends on where you are.

Alcohol sales are prohibited after 2 a.m. on Sundays

Alabama has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, and these vary across the state. While the sale of alcohol on Sundays is permitted in some counties, it is prohibited in others.

In Alabama, it is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages after 2 a.m. on Sundays, except when authorised by a separate law. This means that in some counties, alcohol sales are prohibited after 2 a.m. on Sundays, while in others, sales may be permitted at later hours or even 24 hours a day. For example, in Montgomery, alcohol can be purchased any time on Sunday except between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The Alabama Retail Association states that Sunday sales can be permitted by resolution, ordinance, a majority vote of the governing body, or referendum. Counties that wish to allow alcohol sales on Sundays must seek permission from the Legislature due to the state law restricting sales after 2 a.m.

It is important to note that the laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales in Alabama apply to both take-out and on-premises consumption. While most places that allow Sunday sales authorise retail establishments to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption, the regulations for on-premises consumption may differ.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that ABC Stores, the liquor stores operated by the state of Alabama, are closed on Sundays.

Localities can change the Sunday alcohol sales law by voting

In Alabama, localities can change the Sunday alcohol sales law by voting. While the state has a history of strong temperance support, reflecting a continuing suspicion about alcohol, the laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales vary across the state.

According to the Alabama Retail Association, Sunday sales can be permitted by resolution, ordinance, a majority vote of the governing body, or referendum. Counties must go to the Legislature for permission to allow alcohol sales on Sundays due to a state law prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages after 2 a.m. on Sundays unless authorized by a separate law.

For example, in Birmingham, Sunday sales are now allowed starting at 10 a.m. due to the passage of a "Brunch Bill," which allowed for earlier alcohol sales. Similarly, Mobile and Huntsville also permit Sunday on-site consumption sales starting at 10 a.m.

Other cities and counties have their own regulations regarding Sunday alcohol sales. For instance, Auburn allows Sunday liquor sales from 10 a.m., while Tuscaloosa remains at noon. Montgomery, Hoover, and Shelby County also permit Sunday alcohol sales.

The variations in regulations across Alabama mean that it is often necessary to inquire about the specific rules in each locality before purchasing alcohol on Sundays. For instance, while Greene County allows alcohol sales on Sundays, they are restricted to dog tracks. Other areas, such as Tuscaloosa, are working to change their laws to allow earlier Sunday sales.

Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but spirits cannot

Alabama has strict laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. While the state is not a dry state, and does not prohibit or severely restrict the sale of alcohol, it does have a number of dry counties, and the sale of alcohol is heavily regulated.

The sale of beer and wine is also prohibited after 2 a.m. on Sundays, though localities can change this by voting. The hours for selling alcohol vary depending on the type of store and the county. For example, in Montgomery, Alabama, you can buy beer for off-premise consumption 24/7, but for on-premise consumption, it is only available until 2 a.m.

Grocery stores in Alabama can sell beer and "table" wine, but only before 2 a.m. and with certain restrictions on alcohol content. Beer cannot exceed 6% ABV, and bottles cannot be larger than 16 oz. Wine is limited to 14.9% ABV.

Alabama's alcohol laws are a reflection of the beliefs of its residents, and the state has a history of supporting temperance. As such, the laws surrounding alcohol continue to reflect a suspicion of its consumption.

There is a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and bottles cannot exceed 16 oz

Alabama has a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and bottles cannot exceed 16 oz. This means that beer with an alcohol content of more than 6% ABV cannot be sold in the state. Additionally, beer bottles larger than 16 oz are not permitted.

These restrictions are specific to beer and do not apply to other types of alcoholic beverages in Alabama. For example, wine faces a different set of regulations, with a 14.9% ABV limit. Spirits, such as whiskey, rum, vodka, bourbon, and gin, are also subject to their own rules, with the state having a monopoly on their sale.

The state's laws regarding alcohol sales reflect its history of supporting temperance. Alabama's regulations on beer sales, in particular, the 6% ABV cap and the 16 oz bottle limit, may be seen as a way to control the availability and consumption of alcohol within the state. These measures ensure that only lower-alcohol beers are sold and that the quantity purchased is limited by the bottle size.

While Alabama does have these restrictions in place, it is important to note that the laws surrounding alcohol sales vary across the state. Each county and city can set its own sales hours, and some areas have additional restrictions or prohibitions. For example, there are still some “dry counties” in Alabama where the sale of alcohol is heavily restricted or prohibited. On the other hand, certain cities, such as Birmingham, Mobile, and Huntsville, allow for earlier alcohol sales on Sundays, with on-site consumption permitted as early as 10 a.m.

Alabama has a number of dry counties

In Alabama, cities and counties can elect to go dry by public referendum. To hold a wet-dry vote, 25% of voters in the preceding general election must sign a petition requesting a vote. A city must have a population of more than 1,000 residents to be able to hold a referendum to become wet.

As of 2014, of the 67 counties in Alabama, none were completely dry, 26 were partially dry or "moist", and 41 were completely wet. However, the specific laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales vary across the state and can differ for on-premises consumption.

Frequently asked questions