HB627 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Alan Harper
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Tuscaloosa Co., alcoholic beverages, Sunday sales authorized under certain conditions outside the city limits of Tuscaloosa and Northport, referendum
Summary: Allows voters outside Tuscaloosa and Northport to decide by election whether Sunday alcohol sales are permitted in the county outside those cities.
What This Bill Does
If approved, licensed retailers serving the general public in unincorporated Tuscaloosa County could sell or dispense alcoholic beverages on Sundays between 12:00 PM and 9:30 PM, with New Year's Eve sales allowed after noon. The decision is made by a countywide election funded by the county general fund, and only residents living outside the two cities may vote. If the majority votes Yes, Sunday sales would be permitted under applicable laws and Alcoholic Beverage Control Board rules; if No, Sunday sales would remain prohibited unless changed by a future election. The county may also enact ordinances to regulate Sunday sales, and the act applies only to unincorporated areas without altering city policies; it becomes law immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
Residents of Tuscaloosa County who live outside the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport: they may vote in the election and could enable Sunday alcohol sales in unincorporated areas if the measure passes.
Licensed alcohol retailers in the unincorporated areas serving the general public: if the measure passes, they could sell or dispense alcohol on Sundays during the specified hours.

Key Provisions
Authorizes a countywide election for residents outside the Tuscaloosa and Northport city limits to decide whether Sunday alcohol sales are allowed in those areas.
Ballot asks whether to permit Sunday sales from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with New Year's Eve sales allowed after 12:00 PM; includes the Yes/No response format.
Elections are conducted like other county elections, with notice at least three weeks before the vote, and costs paid from the county general fund.
If a majority votes Yes, Sunday sales may be conducted by licensed ABC Board retailers in the unincorporated areas under applicable laws and regulations during the stated hours; if No, Sunday sales are prohibited unless changed by future election.
The county may enact ordinances to regulate any aspect of Sunday alcohol sales.
The act does not affect the cities' existing rights or policies and is cumulative with current county powers; effective immediately after the governor's 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: Tuscaloosa County