HB522 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Craig Ford
Independent
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Gadsden, alcoholic beverages, Sunday sales authorized under certain conditions, referendum
Summary: HB522 allows Gadsden voters to decide via a local election whether alcohol sales can occur seven days a week, and if approved, permits seven-day on- and off-premises alcohol sales under applicable rules.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes a municipal election in Gadsden to decide if alcoholic beverages can be sold seven days a week for on- and off-premises consumption. The ballot asks voters to approve or reject seven-day sales, with the first election in 2014 and costs covered by the city. If the majority votes Yes, licensed retailers and City of Gadsden facilities can sell alcohol seven days a week under state and city regulations, which the city may further regulate by ordinance; if No, seven-day sales remain prohibited unless allowed by other laws or future elections, with at least 360 days between such elections. The act becomes effective immediately after governor approval and does not repeal existing city powers.

Who It Affects
Qualified voters of the City of Gadsden who will vote in the municipal election on seven-day alcohol sales.
Alcoholic beverage licensees and retailers in Gadsden, who could offer seven-day sales if the election results in approval, subject to licensing and city regulations.

Key Provisions
Applied only to the City of Gadsden.
Authorizes the city to hold a municipal election to decide on seven-day alcoholic beverage sales for on- and off-premises consumption, using a Yes/No ballot.
First election to occur in 2014; subsequent elections follow standard municipal election procedures; election costs paid from the city's general fund.
If a majority votes Yes, seven-day sales may occur by ABC Board licensees and the City of Gadsden, with the city able to regulate aspects of sales by ordinance.
If a majority votes No, seven-day sales are prohibited unless otherwise authorized by law or a future election; minimum 360 days between such elections.
The act is cumulative with existing city powers and becomes effective immediately after governor's 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: Gadsden