Buying Beer In Collinsville, Al: Sunday Shopping Laws Explained

Alabama has strict laws related to the selling and buying of alcohol, including manufacturing, distributing, and consuming. While the state is not dry, it leaves the decision of whether to be wet or dry to the counties and cities. In 2015, the Alabama Legislature approved more than 20 bills to expand the availability of alcoholic beverages, mostly by allowing Sunday sales and draft beer in cities and counties where those were prohibited.

So, can you buy beer in Collinsville, Alabama, on Sunday?

Alcohol sales on Sundays in Alabama vary by location

In Alabama, state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays. However, grocery stores and private liquor stores are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays, typically from 6 am to 2 am. The specific regulations for Sunday sales differ across counties and cities, with some allowing sales only through a referendum or resolution.

For instance, in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Auburn, Sunday on-site consumption sales are permitted starting at 10 am. In Tuscaloosa, Sunday sales are allowed from noon, while Montgomery allows 24/7 off-premise consumption of beer. On the other hand, some counties, like Greene County, only permit Sunday alcohol sales at specific locations like dog tracks.

The variation in alcohol regulations across Alabama can be attributed to the state's history of temperance and suspicion of alcohol. While Alabama is not a dry state, it has given its counties the authority to decide their wet or dry status, resulting in a mix of dry, partially dry, and wet counties.

The state's alcohol laws are also influenced by economic considerations, with some localities legalizing Sunday sales to boost commerce and stay competitive with neighbouring areas. However, faith-based groups have expressed disappointment with the increasing availability of alcohol, citing the potential for harm to families and businesses.

Alcohol sales are allowed in Collinsville

In Alabama, the laws and regulations regarding alcohol are shaped by the state's history and culture. The state has a long-standing association with temperance, and its laws reflect a continued wariness towards alcohol. While Alabama is not a dry state, it does have several dry counties where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Additionally, the state has strict laws related to the manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC Board) is responsible for regulating the distribution, sales, and licensing of alcohol within the state. They oversee various aspects of the industry, including state-run liquor stores, which have designated operating hours and are typically closed on Sundays. However, private retailers, such as grocery stores and package stores, may sell alcohol from 6 am to 2 am, seven days a week, as long as they adhere to the regulations set by their respective counties and cities.

The laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales in Alabama have evolved over time. While it was historically prohibited, many areas have since passed legislation to allow it. This change is often driven by economic considerations, as lifting bans on Sunday sales can boost business for restaurants, bars, and stores. Additionally, the "Brunch Bill" in Birmingham altered the law to allow alcohol sales from 10 am onwards on Sundays, providing further flexibility for businesses and consumers.

When it comes to purchasing alcohol in Alabama, it's important to be mindful of the legal drinking age, which is 21 years old. Additionally, the state has strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol, with penalties including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. These laws extend to boating, with the state prohibiting the operation of any vessel while intoxicated.

Alcohol sales are prohibited in some counties

Alabama has a number of dry counties and other areas where alcohol sales are prohibited. While the state is not a dry state, and does not severely restrict the sale of alcohol, it does allow counties, cities, and other localities to decide their wet or dry status.

There are 25 dry counties in Alabama, although most have “wet” cities within them. These include Chilton County, which has the wet cities of Clanton, Jemison, and Thorsby. However, residents in Maplesville, in the western part of the county, have to drive 10 to 15 miles to buy alcohol.

In Alabama, all the liquor stores run by the state are closed on Sundays. Grocery stores and liquor stores can sell alcohol from 6 am to 2 am, Sunday to Saturday. Counties and cities set their own hours for selling alcohol. Sunday alcohol sales are permitted in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Auburn, Montgomery, Hoover, and Shelby County. However, Tuscaloosa remains at noon, while other cities are allowed to start sales at 10 am.

Alabama does not specify the hours of sale for alcohol aside from the rule that alcohol can't be sold after 2 am on Sunday. Each county and city can set its own sales hours. Beer and weak wine can be sold in many retailers, but the state controls the sale of liquor and full-strength wine.

Alcohol sales are allowed in some counties on Sundays by resolution, ordinance, or vote

Alabama has strict laws related to the selling and buying of alcohol. While the state is not a dry state, it gives its counties the power to decide their wet or dry status.

In 2015, the Alabama Legislature approved more than 20 bills to expand the availability of alcoholic beverages, mostly by allowing Sunday sales and draft beer in cities and counties where those were previously prohibited. Many of these bills left it to city councils, county commissions, or voters in the affected communities to have the final say on lifting the bans.

In Collinsville, alcohol sales are authorized. However, it is unclear whether this authorization includes Sunday sales. It is important to check the specific regulations in your county or city, as they may vary.

State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays

While alcohol sales laws vary across Alabama, state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays.

In Alabama, the sale of alcohol is controlled by the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board, which has been regulating distribution, sales, and licensing in the state since 1937.

Although the state does not specify the hours of sale for alcohol, it dictates that alcohol cannot be sold after 2 a.m. on Sundays. Each county and city can set its own sales hours, and Sunday sales can be permitted by resolution, ordinance, a majority vote of the governing body, or referendum.

In some areas, such as Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile, Sunday on-site consumption sales are allowed starting at 10 a.m. However, state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays across the state. These stores are typically open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The availability of alcoholic beverages in Alabama has been expanding, with the Alabama Legislature approving more than 20 bills to that effect in a single year. This is about twice as many alcohol bills as are usually passed. Despite this trend, state-run liquor stores remain closed on Sundays.

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