HB161 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Johnny Mack Morrow

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Alcoholic beverages, brewpub licensees authorized to sell beer brewed on-premises to a licensed wholesaler for distribution to retail licensees Secs. 28-4A-2, 28-4A-3, 28-4A-4, 28-4A-6 am'd.

Summary

HB161 would expand brewpub operations in Alabama by allowing brewpubs to sell beer brewed on the premises to licensed wholesalers for distribution to retail licensees, under updated licensing rules.

What This Bill Does

It amends the Alabama Brewpub Act to remove certain limitations on brewpub operations and authorize sales of beer brewed on-site to licensed wholesalers for distribution to retailers. Brewpubs would still brew beer for on-site consumption and could also sell to licensed wholesalers, with existing on-site sales and restaurant requirements maintained. The bill keeps tax collection responsibilities with brewpubs (acting as an agent for state and local taxes), requires recordkeeping, and requires appointing a licensed wholesaler designee for on-premises beer sales. It also emphasizes locating brewpubs in historic buildings/sites within wet counties or municipalities to support downtown redevelopment.

Who It Affects

• Brewpub licensees – would be allowed to sell beer brewed on the premises to licensed wholesalers for distribution to retail licensees, in addition to existing on-site sales, and must comply with tax, recordkeeping, and wholesaler-designee requirements.
• Licensed wholesalers and retail licensees – would receive beer from brewpubs for distribution to retailers, expanding the supply network; wholesalers must be designated by the brewpub to retain compliance with existing licensing rules.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 28-4A-2, 28-4A-3, 28-4A-4, and 28-4A-6 to remove limitations on brewpub operation and authorize sale of beer brewed on-site to licensed wholesalers for distribution to retail licensees.
• Brewpubs may continue to brew up to 10,000 barrels per year and sell beer on-premises for consumption, while also selling beer brewed on-site to licensed wholesalers for distribution to retailers.
• Brewpubs must collect and remit applicable taxes on on-premises beer sales, maintain required records, and appoint a licensed wholesaler designee for on-premises sales.
• Brewpubs must be located in historic buildings or sites in wet counties/municipalities and meet location-related conditions, including a minimum restaurant seating capacity of 80.
• Annual brewpub license fee remains $1,000; the act becomes effective immediately after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alcoholic Beverages