HB20 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

James E. Buskey

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Terri Collins

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Entertainment districts, Class 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 municipalities authorized to establish, regulation of sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, retail liquor license issued by Alcoholic Beverage Control Board

Summary

HB20 creates authorized entertainment districts in certain Alabama municipalities where alcohol can be sold and consumed within defined areas under ABC Board rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows qualifying municipalities to designate entertainment districts where on-premises liquor licenses can operate and permit consumption on-site within the district. The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board would issue these district designations, and local governments would set the number and size of districts. Districts must have at least four licensees and be no larger than 0.5 mile by 0.5 mile, with Class 1 municipalities allowed up to five districts and other classes up to two districts. Patrons may drink openly within the district, but cannot carry drinks into other licensed premises or bring in drinks from outside, and the act repeals conflicting laws; it becomes effective immediately after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Municipal governments (Class 1-5 and those with an incorporated arts council, main street program, or downtown development entity): authorized to designate entertainment districts, set boundaries, and determine how many districts to allow.
• Retail liquor licensees and their customers within designated districts: licensees can obtain district designations for on-site alcohol sales and consumption, and patrons may drink openly within the district subject to the rules.

Key Provisions

• Creates an entertainment district designation for on-premises alcohol licenses issued by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, applicable to Class 1-5 municipalities and those with certain development entities.
• Allows patrons to consume alcohol anywhere within the entertainment district, but restricts bringing drinks into other licensed premises and prohibits taking drinks from outside into licensed premises.
• Sets district density and size rules: Class 1 municipalities may have up to five districts; Class 2-5 and related municipalities may have up to two districts; each district must have at least four licensees and not exceed 0.5 mile by 0.5 mile.
• Requires districts to be established within compliance with Chapter 3A of Title 28 and related regulations; districts repeal conflicting laws regarding boundaries and size.
• Effective immediately upon the Governor's signature.

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

Subjects

Entertainment Districts