Alabama's Sunday Beer Buying Laws Explained

Alabama's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to Sunday sales. While the state government does not prohibit the sale of alcohol, each county and city can set its own sales hours and regulations, and many counties are moist, with wet cities operating within them. Alcohol sales on Sundays in Alabama vary widely by location, with some cities and counties allowing it and others prohibiting it altogether.

Alcohol sales in Alabama are permitted from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays

Alcohol sales laws in Alabama vary depending on the location and type of alcohol being sold. While Alabama does not specify the hours of sale for alcohol, each county and city can set its own sales hours. However, there are some general rules that apply across the state.

According to Alabama state law, alcohol sales are not allowed after 2 a.m. on Sundays. This rule can be changed by a majority vote of the governing body or a referendum. In some cities, such as Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Auburn, Sunday on-site alcohol consumption sales are allowed starting at 10 a.m. thanks to a "Brunch Bill" that allowed for earlier alcohol sales.

In Tuscaloosa, bars, restaurants, and bistros with alcohol licenses are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays, as long as the drinks are consumed by 11 p.m. This change was implemented by the City Council, which has the authority to amend the hours of Sunday alcohol sales. Stores that sell packaged alcohol, like convenience and grocery stores, are still subject to the previous permissible hours of noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

It is important to note that ABC stores, the state-run liquor stores in Alabama, are closed on Sundays. Additionally, alcohol sales laws can vary widely across the state, so it is always a good idea to check the local regulations before purchasing or consuming alcohol in Alabama on a Sunday.

Alcohol can be purchased in Alabama from grocery and liquor stores until 2 a.m

Alabama has specific laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, which apply to both residents and expatriates. These laws are important for everyone of drinking age in the state to be aware of.

In Alabama, alcohol can be purchased from grocery and liquor stores until 2 a.m. State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, and alcohol sales for off-premise consumption are only permitted between midday and 9 p.m. on that day. While some counties in Alabama are designated as dry counties, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages, others allow Sunday sales. For example, in Montgomery, alcohol can be purchased any time on Sunday except between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. Similarly, in Birmingham, Sunday sales are allowed starting at 10 a.m., while in Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Huntsville, Hoover, and Shelby County, on-site consumption sales are permitted from 10 a.m. on Sundays.

The laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales in Alabama vary across the state, with some counties and cities setting their own regulations. While most places that allow Sunday sales enable retail establishments to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption, the rules for on-premises consumption differ. For instance, in Greene County, alcohol sales are confined to Sundays at dog tracks. Additionally, some cities and counties restrict sales to on-premise consumption in establishments like bars or restaurants, or to private clubs.

The Alabama Retail Association states that Sunday sales can be permitted by resolution, ordinance, a majority vote of the governing body, or referendum. Counties must seek permission from the Legislature 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.

It's worth noting that Alabama does not specify the hours of sale for alcohol, except for the restriction after 2 a.m. on Sundays. Each county and city is responsible for setting its own sales hours, and the sale of liquor and full-strength wine is controlled by the state.

Alabama's drinking laws are considered outdated compared to other states

One example of Alabama's outdated drinking laws is the restriction on Sunday alcohol sales. While this has slowly changed over time, with many cities and towns now allowing Sunday liquor sales, there are still variations in regulations across the state. For example, in Greene County, alcohol sales are only permitted on Sundays at the dog tracks, while other cities and counties limit sales to on-premise consumption in establishments like bars or restaurants. Additionally, state-run liquor stores, known as ABC stores, are closed on Sundays.

Another example of Alabama's outdated drinking laws is the minimum age requirement for serving alcohol. In Alabama, adults must be at least 19 years old to be alcohol servers and at least 21 years old to be bartenders. This is in contrast to other states, where the minimum age requirement is often lower.

Alabama also has strict laws regarding the sale of distilled spirits and high-alcohol content wine. The state has a government monopoly on the sale of wine with an alcohol content of 14% or higher and all distilled spirits, including whiskey, rum, vodka, bourbon, and gin. These products can only be purchased from state-run liquor stores or privately-owned retail liquor stores that have purchased them from the state.

The state also has strict laws regarding underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol in Alabama, and there are no exceptions for religious or medical purposes. Additionally, it is a crime for minors to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol, and the state can suspend their driver's licenses if they are caught. Providing alcohol to a minor is also a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in prison or a $1,000 fine.

Overall, while Alabama's drinking laws may be outdated compared to other states, they are designed to protect the public and reduce incidents of alcohol abuse. However, some of these laws can be seen as unreasonable, particularly those that restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays and the minimum age requirements for serving alcohol.

Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after 9 p.m

Alcohol sales laws in Alabama vary depending on the location and type of alcohol being sold. While Alabama is not a dry state, it does have a number of "moist" counties, which have wet cities within them where alcohol sales are allowed.

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, alcohol sales on Sundays have specific regulations. As of 2019, alcohol sales were permitted on Sundays from noon to 9:00 p.m., with drinks needing to be finished by 9:30 p.m. This applied to stores selling packaged alcohol, such as convenience and grocery stores. However, there have been efforts to change these laws, with some success.

In August 2019, the Tuscaloosa City Council voted to expand Sunday alcohol sales hours for businesses with on-premises liquor licenses, such as restaurants and taverns. The new hours allowed these establishments to serve alcoholic beverages from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays, as long as drinks were consumed by 11:00 p.m. This change was welcomed by hospitality business owners and residents, who voted in favor of it.

Despite these expanded hours, alcohol sales are still prohibited on Sundays in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after 9:00 p.m. in stores selling packaged alcohol, and after 10:30 p.m. in on-premises consumption establishments, with drinks needing to be finished by 11:00 p.m. These laws are specific to Tuscaloosa and may differ from other cities or counties in Alabama.

Alabama's alcohol laws apply to both residents and expatriates

Alabama's alcohol laws are quite strict compared to other states. They apply to all residents, including expatriates and tourists visiting the state. Here are the key points to know:

Minimum Age Laws

Alabama has strict laws regarding the minimum age for purchasing, possessing, and consuming alcohol. The legal drinking age in Alabama is 21, and it is a first-degree misdemeanour to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol before turning 21. This applies to everyone, including adults aged 18, 19, and 20, and active members of the U.S. military. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.02%.

Working with Alcohol

Alabama has specific laws regarding the minimum age for working in jobs that involve alcohol. Adults must be at least 19 years old to serve alcohol or work in alcohol-related jobs, and at least 21 to work as bartenders. Supervision by a local authority is required for both these cases, although there is no specified age for the supervisor. There is no minimum age for selling wine or beer in stores for off-site consumption, but individuals must be at least 21 to sell distilled spirits in such venues, and a manager or supervisor must be present.

Selling Alcohol in Alabama

Alabama has a government monopoly on the sale of wine with an alcohol content of 14% or higher and all distilled spirits. The state prohibits competition in the sale of these products. Convenience stores, grocery stores, and authorised retailers may sell wine with less than 14% alcohol content and beer with less than 6% alcohol content. It is illegal to serve alcoholic beverages after 2 a.m. in Alabama, and it is a violation of the state's alcohol laws to sell alcohol to anyone under 21. Retailers can be convicted if they fail to identify a false ID and sell alcohol to a minor.

Buying Alcohol in Alabama

It is illegal for individuals under 21 to purchase, attempt to purchase, or consume any type of alcohol in Alabama. Using a false ID to buy alcohol is a criminal offence, and the state can suspend the offender's driver's license. It is important to note that there are no exceptions to these laws, including religious or medical reasons.

Boating and Alcohol

Alabama's alcohol laws prohibit operating any vessel, including boats, personal watercraft, water skis, wakeboards, etc., while under the influence of alcohol or any combination of alcohol and controlled substances. This is known as Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and carries penalties based on BAC level, prior offences, offender demeanour, and other factors.

Sunday Alcohol Sales

Sunday alcohol sales vary across Alabama. While state law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages after 2 a.m. on Sundays, localities can change this by voting. Some cities, like Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Auburn, allow on-site consumption sales starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Other counties and towns have approved Sunday liquor sales, but regulations differ, so it is best to ask before ordering. ABC Stores, the state-run liquor stores, are closed on Sundays.

Frequently asked questions