Buying Beer Late In Auburn: What's The Latest Hour?

Alcohol laws vary across the United States, with some states and counties prohibiting sales entirely. In Auburn, Alabama, alcohol is available for purchase at basketball games, with plans to introduce sales at football games in the future. Auburn University is the last SEC school to implement public alcohol sales, with the first instance of this occurring on November 1, 2023.

Alcohol sales at Auburn sports events

On November 1, 2023, Auburn University publicly sold alcohol at an athletic event for the first time in school history. The event was a basketball exhibition against Auburn-Montgomery at Neville Arena.

Before this, a handful of cash bar options had been available for certain club seatings at previous sporting events. However, Auburn was the last Southeastern Conference (SEC) member to make alcohol this accessible at sporting events.

Alcohol sales at the time included a collection of import and craft beers, selzers, and canned wine at seven concession stands and multiple grab-and-go stations at Neville Arena. Alcohol sales were limited to Neville Arena, with plans to introduce sales at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the future.

Auburn athletic director John Cohen said that one of his immediate concerns when he joined the university was a "lack of premium options," which included alcohol sales. He also noted that watching a game at home is both cheaper and more relaxing than going to the arena, and that adding alcohol sales would combat the ease of watching at home as fans would no longer have to pass up the ability to drink a beer at home.

Cohen has previously overseen the introduction of alcohol sales at football and basketball games at Mississippi State, where he was the eighth SEC school to sell beer, wine, and seltzers. He has also stated that studies have shown a decrease in behavioural issues with the introduction of beer sales at sports games.

Alcohol laws in Alabama

Alabama has strict alcohol laws, reflecting the state's historical support for temperance. Here is a breakdown of the key alcohol laws in the state:

Minimum Age Laws

In Alabama, the minimum age to consume alcohol is 21. It is a first-degree misdemeanour to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol before turning 21, punishable by up to six months' imprisonment or a $1,000 fine, or both. This law applies even to active members of the U.S. military.

The minimum age to sell alcohol for off-site drinking is 19, and to be a bartender, one must be at least 21. In both cases, there must be a supervisor present, but no minimum age is specified for the supervisor. There is no minimum age to sell wine or beer in a store for off-site consumption. However, one must be at least 21 to sell distilled spirits in such a venue, with a supervisor present.

Alcohol Sales and Service Laws

Alabama has a government monopoly on the sale of wine with an alcohol content of 14% or higher and all distilled spirits. Grocery and convenience stores may sell wine with less than 14% alcohol and beer with less than 6% alcohol. Alcoholic beverages may not be served after 2 a.m.

It is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Retailers can be convicted if they fail to recognise a false ID and sell alcohol to a minor. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol, including using a false ID.

Alabama has several "dry counties" where alcohol sales are prohibited. In counties that allow alcohol sales, state liquor stores are open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Grocery and liquor stores can sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., and on-premise locations can sell until 2 a.m.

Driving and Boating Under the Influence

It is illegal to drive or operate a boat or other watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Alabama. The maximum penalty for a first DUI offence is six months' imprisonment (including a mandatory minimum of three days in jail), a $1,000 fine (including a minimum fine of $250), or both. Additional penalties include driver's license suspension and substance abuse treatment programs.

Other Alcohol-Related Offences

It is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in public in Alabama. This offence carries a maximum fine of $100. Consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle is a fourth-degree misdemeanour, punishable by up to 30 days' imprisonment or a $250 fine, or both. Disorderly conduct while intoxicated is a minor misdemeanour with a maximum fine of $100.

Auburn Alehouse

The Auburn Alehouse Restaurant is located in the historic American Block in Old Town Auburn, occupying one of the most historically significant structures in Auburn and, arguably, in all of Placer County. The building's history was a driving force during its renovation, with an intense focus on maintaining the original fabric and patina.

The Auburn Alehouse is open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm. They offer a wide selection of delicious entrees, including mouthwatering options like burgers, fried chicken, and Barley Mushroom Risotto. In addition to their food, they are committed to quality in their craft brews and whiskeys. Their brewers strive for innovation and creativity, constantly creating new recipes to excite your palate.

The restaurant welcomes groups of ten, but they recommend making a reservation to avoid any wait times. Auburn Alehouse also offers merchandise, including hats and dog accessories, so you can represent them wherever you go.

Alcohol sales in the Auburn student section

The introduction of alcohol sales in the student section of Jordan-Hare Stadium has sparked debate among students and administrators. Some students have expressed concerns about increased rowdiness and disruptive behaviour, especially when students are already under the influence. There have been reports of property damage, conflicts, and safety issues. On the other hand, supporters of alcohol sales argue that it provides a convenient and enjoyable way for students to socialise and relax during games. It also eliminates the need to sneak alcohol into the stadium and encourages students to stay for the entire game.

To address these concerns, Auburn University has implemented several measures. Strict ID checks and an increased security presence help ensure that only students above 21 can purchase alcohol. Post-game monitoring is also in place to ensure students are drinking safely and behaving appropriately after leaving the stadium. Additionally, alcohol sales can be cut off at certain times or to specific individuals, and any vendor can refuse to serve a severely intoxicated student.

From an economic standpoint, selling alcohol in the student section has been beneficial for the university. The additional revenue generated from alcohol sales can be reinvested into the school and has the potential to create meaningful financial gains.

While there are valid concerns about student behaviour and safety, proponents argue that not selling alcohol in the student section does not prevent students from drinking. Instead, it shifts the consumption to other locations, such as tailgates or apartment parties. Proper security measures, such as strict ID checks and increased security presence, are crucial to ensuring safe and responsible alcohol consumption within the student section.

Auburn's city council's approval of alcohol licenses

To sell alcoholic beverages in Auburn, businesses need both a State of Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) license and a City of Auburn alcoholic beverage license. The ABC board will forward the ABC application to the City of Auburn for consideration by the Auburn City Council.

The Auburn City Council recently approved a license for a new brewery to be located at Auburn University's Rane Culinary Science Center. The Council amended the city code to add a manufacturer alcohol beverage license type category and set the license fee to $1,500 to align with the State of Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's licensing requirements. The Council approved a manufacturer alcohol beverage license for New Realm Brewing Company, which will be located in the Rane Culinary Science Center. The Auburn site will be open from 4 to 11 pm Monday through Friday and 3 pm to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

The City of Auburn alcoholic beverage license is required for establishments selling beer, wine, or alcohol of any kind. The sale of alcoholic beverages, whether wholesale or retail, on-premise or off-premise, within Auburn city limits, requires this license. An Auburn business license is also necessary before an alcoholic beverage license can be granted. The business must be in good standing with the City of Auburn, with no taxes or license fees past due, for the application to be considered by the Auburn City Council.

The process for obtaining a license involves first applying to the ABC board, which then forwards the application to the City of Auburn for consideration by the City Council. Following the Council's review, the City notifies the ABC board of the applicant's approval or denial. This process typically takes around 30 days.

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