HB406 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Oliver Robinson

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Alcoholic beverages, beer manufacturers authorized to sell alcohol on-premises for on-premises consumption, Alabama Brewpub Act changed to Brewery Modernization Act, Secs. 28-4A-1 to 28-4A-6, inclusive, am'd.

Summary

This bill would let any Alabama beer manufacturer sell beer on premises for on-site consumption, expanding the Brewpub Act and creating a new brewery-based license with specific location, licensing, and tax rules.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it eliminates the old split between beer makers and brewpubs, allowing all Alabama beer manufacturers to sell beer on their premises for on-site consumption. It creates a new Brewpub Brewery Modernization Act with a 'brewpub brewery' license that allows manufacturing up to 10,000 barrels per year and on-site retail sales, with optional wholesale sales to licensed distributors. It imposes location and facility requirements (historic building/site, wet county or municipality, and a minimum 80-seat restaurant), a $1,000 annual license fee, and tax/recordkeeping obligations; it also provides for special events permits and on-site tours/samples, plus automatic license revocation for violations. The act is also framed to support downtown redevelopment and historic preservation of buildings and sites around the state.

Who It Affects

• Beer manufacturers and brewpub operators in Alabama would gain authority to sell beer on premises under a new license structure, with up to 10,000 barrels/year, plus potential on-site retail and wholesaler arrangements.
• Consumers and the general public would have new access to drink beer at brewery premises, take tours, receive free samples on-site, and participate in special events promoted by breweries, especially in historic downtown areas.

Key Provisions

• Eliminates the distinction between beer manufacturers and brewpubs, allowing all Alabama beer manufacturers to sell alcohol on premises for on-site consumption.
• Creates the Alabama Brewpub Brewery Modernization Act with a 'brewpub brewery' license: up to 10,000 barrels per year, on-premises retail sale of beer, and potential sale to licensed wholesalers; beer must be brewed on the licensed premises and sold for on-premises consumption.
• Requires brewpub breweries to be located in historic buildings/sites in wet counties/municipalities where beer was brewed for public consumption before 1919, and to have a minimum 80-seat restaurant; brewery premises must be accessible to the public.
• Imposes a $1,000 annual license fee; authorizes tours and free samples on-premises; beer tax collection and recordkeeping requirements similar to other licensees; special events permits may be issued for up to 48 hours with a $100 fee.
• If all sales are limited to on-premises consumption, the brewpub brewery may designate a licensed wholesaler and be exempt from some Chapter 9 provisions; otherwise, all Chapter 9 provisions apply; violations can lead to automatic license revocation.
• The act includes legislative findings to promote downtown redevelopment and historic preservation, aiming to grow the state's brewing industry and support small beer producers; it becomes effective immediately upon passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alcoholic Beverages