HB266 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David Colston
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Darrio Melton
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Dallas Co., alcoholic beverages, Sunday sales authorized under certain conditions, referendum
Summary: HB266 lets Dallas County voters decide, in a countywide election, whether Sunday alcohol sales are allowed in unincorporated areas, with set hours and possible exceptions.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes a Dallas County election to determine if Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages can occur in unincorporated areas. If voters say Yes, sales would be legal on Sundays from noon to 9:30 PM (with after-noon sale allowed on New Year's Eve) and would be regulated by applicable laws and county policies. If voters say No, Sunday sales would be prohibited after 2:00 AM on Sundays, with changes possible only through further law or another election.

Who It Affects
Qualified voters of Dallas County who will vote in the referendum and decide whether Sunday alcohol sales are permitted.
Licensed alcohol beverage licensees serving the general public in the county's unincorporated areas, whose ability to sell on Sundays depends on the election outcome and applicable regulations.

Key Provisions
The act applies only to Dallas County and allows the county commission to call a Sunday sales election within 30 days of the act’s effective date.
The ballot asks voters whether to permit legal sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages on Sundays in the county between 12:00 PM and 9:30 PM, with New Year’s Eve after 12:00 PM allowed.
If Yes, Sunday sales are allowed in unincorporated areas by licensees serving the public, subject to applicable laws and county regulations; the county may enact policies to regulate Sunday sales.
If No, Sunday sales are prohibited after 2:00 AM on Sundays, with exceptions only as allowed by law or a future election.
The act is cumulative with existing county powers and becomes effective immediately after governor 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: Dallas County