SB171 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Holtzclaw

Republican

Co-Sponsors

George M. “Marc” KeaheyRodger SmithermanBobby D. SingletonDick BrewbakerTrip PittmanJerry L. Fielding

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Beer, cider, and wine, homebrewing in limited amounts by person 21 years of age or older for personal use authorized without taxation or licensure, penalties, convicted felon prohibited from homebrewing

Summary

The bill would let adults 21+ make small amounts of beer, mead, cider, and table wine at home for personal use without taxes or licenses, with strict quantity and safety limits.

What This Bill Does

If passed, adults 21+ who are not felons could produce homebrew beer, mead, cider, and table wine for personal use, up to 15 gallons per residence per calendar quarter, with a total residence cap of 15 gallons produced under this act. The beverages could not be sold or removed from the home except in small amounts (up to 10 gallons per event) for licensed homebrew events, and organized events would require a special license that does not allow selling alcohol. Felons are prohibited from homebrewing, and violations would be treated as a misdemeanor. The bill also updates definitions in state law to include mead and cider and takes effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Adults 21 years and older who are not felony-convicted, who would be allowed to produce homebrew beverages for personal use under the stated limits and without paying taxes or obtaining a license.
• Group 2: Felons and individuals under 21, who would face prohibitions or restrictions (felons cannot homebrew; those under 21 cannot purchase, possess, or transport the beverages or equipment).

Key Provisions

• Allows adults 21+ to produce limited amounts of beer, mead, cider, and table wine at home for personal use without taxes or licenses; defines prohibition on sale.
• Production limits: up to 15 gallons per residence per calendar quarter; no more than 15 gallons total at a residence produced under this act.
• Restrictions on movement: beverages may not be removed from the residence except up to 10 gallons per event, unless transported to licensed homebrew competitions or special events.
• Organized events: homebrew events may occur at licensed locations, but the license cannot be used to sell alcohol; such events cannot be held on premises of other licensed Title 28 entities.
• Felons prohibited from homebrewing; under-21 individuals cannot purchase, possess, or transport the beverages or related equipment.
• Definitions updated: Sections 28-3-1 are amended to define mead and cider and to reflect revised definitions of alcoholic beverages.
• Penalties: violations of these provisions are a Class B misdemeanor.
• Local funds/expenditure note: the bill is excluded from Amendment 621 requirements because it creates a new crime or redefines an existing one, despite its potential local funding impact.
• Effective date: immediately upon passage and governor's signature.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alcoholic Beverages