SB479 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dick Brewbaker

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Brewers, craft brewers license provided, Sec. 28-3A-6.1added

Summary

SB479 creates a new craft brewer license in Alabama that lets limited production breweries brew up to 2,000,000 barrels per year and operate an on-site restaurant, selling the beer they produce at the brewery.

What This Bill Does

It adds a craft brewer license (28-3A-6.1) authorizing up to 2,000,000 barrels of beer per year to be brewed in Alabama or sold/distributed within the state. The license allows the brewer to operate a food service facility on its licensed premises and to sell beer produced there on the premises for on-site or off-site consumption. Sales are limited to licensed wholesalers or direct-to-consumer on the licensed premises; selling to retailers outside the premises is not allowed. The bill requires record-keeping, monthly shipment reporting, inspections, tax collection by the licensee, and imposes a $500 annual license fee, with a three-month effective date after passage.

Who It Affects

• Craft brewers in Alabama: must adhere to the 2,000,000 barrel cap, may operate an on-site restaurant, must handle distribution to wholesalers or direct-to-consumer on site, and must comply with labeling, reporting, record-keeping, tax, and licensing requirements.
• Beer consumers and the general public near craft breweries: may purchase beer produced on site for on-site or off-site consumption and may receive free samples on the premises, subject to the on-site facilities and food service provided by the brewery.

Key Provisions

• Creates a new 28-3A-6.1 craft brewer license with an annual cap of 2,000,000 barrels.
• Allows craft brewers to operate a food service facility on the licensed premises and sell beer brewed there on the premises.
• Permits sale of beer to licensed wholesalers or direct-to-consumer on the licensed premises; excludes on-premises sales to retailers off the premises.
• Requires licensees to file label information with the board and maintain federal label approvals or exemptions.
• Requires monthly consolidated shipment reports and daily records of materials, production, sales, and purchasers.
• Provides board inspection rights of licensed premises and records.
• Imposes beer taxes collected by the licensee on behalf of the state and local authorities.
• Sets the craft brewer license fee at $500 annually.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage.
• Defines a craft brewer as a person or entity brewing no more than 2,000,000 barrels across all locations.

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