SB210 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Dick Brewbaker
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Alcoholic beverages, wet-dry referendum, expands time during which elections may be held, Sec. 28-2-1 am'd.
Summary: SB210 lets Alabama counties decide their wet/dry status again through a petition-driven local election and expands the time window for when those elections can be held.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 28-2-1 to create a process for counties to change between wet and dry by petition and local election. A petition equal to 25% of the last general election voters triggers an election on whether alcoholic beverages can be legally sold or distributed in the county. The election must occur within a defined window after petition filing, with notice published beforehand and election costs paid by the county; if the majority votes Yes, the county becomes wet (or remains wet); if No, it stays dry (or becomes dry) until a future election, with at least a two-year gap between such elections. In dry counties, existing alcohol laws stay in effect and penalties for violations remain. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
County residents who vote in wet/dry elections (and those who sign the petition) who determine whether their county will be wet or dry.
County officials and local governments (probate judges and election administrators) who call, run, and pay for these elections.

Key Provisions
Creates a county-level process to change wet/dry status through a petition and local election.
Petition threshold: 25 percent of the number of voters voting in the last preceding general election to trigger an election, with the petition filed with the county probate judge.
Election requirements: held within not less than 30 82 days, nor more than 45 97 days from the petition filing; notice published at least three weeks prior; costs paid from the county's general funds; ballot asks, 'Do you favor the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within this county? Yes ____ No ____', and only qualified voters may vote.
Election outcomes: if majority votes Yes, the county becomes wet (or remains wet); if No, the county becomes dry (or remains dry) until a subsequent election; there must be at least a two-year gap between such elections.
In dry counties, existing prohibitions on alcohol remain in effect and violations are punished under those laws.
Effective date: the act takes effect immediately following the 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: Alcoholic Beverages