Buying Beer On Sundays In Alabama: Where To Go

Alabama's laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales vary widely. State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, but other establishments' Sunday hours differ by county and city. For example, Greene County allows Sunday alcohol sales only at dog tracks, while some cities and counties limit sales to on-premise consumption in bars, restaurants, or private clubs. In 2019, Tuscaloosa expanded Sunday alcohol sales to 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with drinks needing to be finished by 11 p.m.

Beer in grocery stores

Alabama's laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales vary widely. State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, but other establishments' Sunday hours vary by county and city.

You can buy beer in grocery stores in Alabama, providing it contains less than 6% alcohol. It must be purchased before 2 am. Gas stations are also allowed to sell beer, providing it's between designated hours.

Some grocery stores in Alabama are licensed to hold wine and beer tastings. These tastings must be held in a designated area, separate from any point-of-sale of alcoholic beverages.

If you plan to purchase alcohol on a Sunday in Alabama, it's a good idea to check the regulations in your county or city before you order.

Tuscaloosa's Sunday alcohol sales

Tuscaloosa has allowed alcohol sales on Sundays since 2011, when the Alabama Legislature agreed to let the City Council call for a referendum on the issue. Residents voted in favour of Sunday sales, with 8,873 approving the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays from noon to 9:30 pm, and 2,504 against.

In 2019, the Tuscaloosa City Council voted to amend these hours, pushing them back to 10 am to 10:30 pm, with drinks to be finished by 11 pm. This change was welcomed by hospitality business owners, who felt it would help attract visitors to the city, particularly those looking for a Sunday brunch. The previous hours remain in effect for stores that sell packaged alcohol, like convenience and grocery stores.

The laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales in Alabama vary widely. While state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, some counties and municipalities have approved Sunday liquor sales, with variations in regulations. For example, Greene County allows alcohol sales on Sundays but only at dog tracks. Other cities and counties limit sales to on-premise consumption in places like bars or restaurants, or to private clubs.

Alabama has strict liquor laws, with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) maintaining exclusive control over the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages. Alabama operates as a control state, with the ABC acting as both wholesaler and retailer for spirits. Suppliers must navigate specific market entry processes, including label registration, price posting, and obtaining the necessary licenses.

Greene County's Sunday alcohol sales

Alcohol laws in Alabama vary from county to county, and Greene County is no exception. In Greene County, alcohol sales are allowed on Sundays, but only at dog tracks. Beer can be sold for off-premises consumption 24 hours a day, every day, including Christmas Day. Liquor and wine may be sold for off-premises consumption from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays. On-premises consumption of alcohol is allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. on Sundays.

It is important to note that state-run liquor stores, including ABC stores, are closed on Sundays. However, grocery stores and private liquor stores are permitted to sell alcohol from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day, including Sundays.

Alabama's alcohol landscape is governed by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC), which has exclusive control over the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in the state. This means that suppliers must navigate specific market entry processes, including label registration, price posting, and obtaining the necessary licenses.

While Greene County allows Sunday alcohol sales with certain restrictions, other counties in Alabama may have different regulations, and it is always a good idea to check the local laws before purchasing or consuming alcohol on Sundays in any given area.

Florence's Sunday alcohol sales

Alcohol sales laws in Alabama vary from county to county. State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, but other establishments' Sunday hours differ based on their location.

In Florence, beer and wine can now be purchased seven days a week, which has been a boon for businesses. The city council unanimously approved an ordinance in February 2022, giving citizens the choice to allow businesses to sell beer and wine on Sundays. This decision was made with the goal of making the city more competitive and attractive to new residents and businesses. It was also expected to create more job opportunities and bring in more revenue for the city.

The change in the law has had a positive impact on businesses, with some now considering opening on Sundays to take advantage of the additional sales. One business owner, Rick Havekost of Micky Finn's Wine and Spirits One Stop Party Shop, reported that it had been "adventurous" but was "doing pretty well." Customers have also expressed their satisfaction with the new law, appreciating the convenience of being able to shop for alcohol any day of the week.

However, there were initial concerns about the potential negative consequences of increasing access to alcohol. Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler acknowledged that while it might not cause more problems in the community, there was a risk of impaired driving. Despite this, the community approved the ordinance, and businesses have been able to adapt their hours as needed, with some choosing to open only for special occasions or holidays.

Alabama's dry counties

Alabama has some unique rules regarding the sale of alcohol. While you can buy alcohol in grocery stores, it is restricted to table wine with less than 14% ABV and beer with less than 6% ABV. These can be purchased any day except Sunday, but only before 2 am. Gas stations are also allowed to sell alcohol within designated hours.

Alabama is what is known as a control state, with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) maintaining exclusive control over the distribution and sale of spirits. ABC stores, which are the state-run liquor stores, are closed on Sundays. They operate from 9 am to 9 pm on the other days of the week.

Some cities and towns have approved Sunday liquor sales, but the regulations vary widely from county to county, and even within a county, the rules can change depending on the type of store or the location. For example, in Greene County, alcohol sales are allowed on Sundays but only at dog tracks. Some counties or cities limit sales to on-premise consumption, such as at bars, restaurants, or private clubs.

Alabama specifically allows its cities and counties to elect to go dry by public referendum. Of the 67 counties in Alabama, none are completely dry, 26 are partially dry or "moist" (these counties contain cities that have voted to allow alcohol sales), and 41 are completely wet.

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