HB657 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jamie Ison
Republican
Co-Sponsor: Jim Barton
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Mobile Co., alcoholic beverages, reasonable quantity purchased from military liquor or package stores, for active duty, active reserve status or retired Armed Forces allowed, civil penalties
Summary: HB657 lets certain military personnel and their dependents possess a reasonable quantity of alcohol purchased in Alabama for personal use, with a civil penalty for violations.
What This Bill Does
Allows 21+ active duty, active reserve, or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, or their dependents, to have a reasonable quantity of alcoholic beverages in Alabama for personal use. The alcohol must be purchased from a military liquor store or an Alabama-licensed store that sources stock from licensed Alabama wholesalers or the ABC Board, and the purchaser must show identification and a sales receipt proving origin. A first violation can incur a civil penalty of up to $500. The quantity is described as 'reasonable' as defined by existing state law (Section 28-3-1).

Who It Affects
Military personnel on active duty, in active reserve status, or retired, and their dependents, who may possess a reasonable quantity of alcohol purchased in Alabama for personal use.
People who violate the act (e.g., possessing more than the allowed amount or lacking proper identification/receipts), who would face a civil penalty of up to $500 for the first violation.

Key Provisions
Permits 21+ active duty, active reserve, or retired military personnel, or their dependents, to possess a reasonable quantity of alcohol purchased from military stores or Alabama-licensed stores in Alabama for personal use.
Requires possession to occur in a private residence or curtilage, or in a vehicle, with identification and a sales receipt showing purchase origin.
Imposes a civil penalty for first violations, up to $500.
Declares the act regulates liquor traffic under the Alabama Constitution and specifies the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and 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: Mobile County