HB389 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jamie Ison

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Alcoholic beverages, permit a retail licensee and state liquor store to conduct distilled liquor tastings, Sec. 28-3A-25 am'd.

Summary

The bill would let licensed retail alcohol outlets and state liquor stores offer on-site tastings of wine, beer, and distilled spirits, with a new tasting license fee and regulatory requirements.

What This Bill Does

A retail licensee or state liquor store may conduct tastings of alcohol available for purchase, with written approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and compliance with the act and board regulations. Tastings could occur at the licensee’s premises or at state liquor stores, and customers would sample small amounts at no charge. Serving limits are set: up to 1 ounce of each wine with up to four different wines, up to 1 ounce of each beer with up to two different beers, and up to 1/4 ounce of each distilled spirit with up to two different spirits. The bill also creates a tasting license requirement and fee for retail licensees and makes related amendments to enforcement provisions in Section 28-3A-25.

Who It Affects

• Retail licensees (licensed alcohol retailers) who may conduct tastings on their premises and must obtain a tasting license and pay the fee.
• State liquor stores (ABC-owned stores) that may conduct tastings under the same approvals and regulations.
• Consumers who would be able to taste small amounts of alcohol on-site at these locations (tastings may be provided at no charge).

Key Provisions

• Allows tastings of wine, beer, and distilled spirits at retail license premises or state liquor stores with written approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and compliance with the act and board regulations.
• Permits retail licensees to conduct tastings inside their premises at no charge to consumers, subject to serving limits and approvals.
• Sets specific tasting limits: up to 1 ounce per wine with a maximum of four different wines; up to 1 ounce per beer with a maximum of two different beers; up to 1/4 ounce per distilled spirit with a maximum of two products.
• Imposes a fee for a tasting license for retail licensees.
• Authorizes tastings to be conducted at state liquor stores and retail locations.
• Amends Section 28-3A-25 to address tasting-related activities, penalties, and enforcement provisions; includes the act’s effective date of the first day of the third month after passage/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

Alcoholic Beverages