SB259 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim McClendon
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: St. Clair Co., alcoholic beverages, Sunday sales, municipalities and co. commission (for unincorporated area of county) authorized to conduct referendums to approve, subject to further regulation by governing body
Summary: SB259 lets voters in St. Clair County's municipalities and the county's unincorporated areas decide on Sunday alcohol sales.
What This Bill Does
The act authorizes local elections to decide whether Sunday alcohol sales are allowed in each municipality and in the unincorporated parts of the county. If a majority votes Yes, Sunday sales would be legal for licensed retailers serving the public under ABC Board licenses and local ordinances. If a majority votes No, Sunday sales would be prohibited after 2:00 a.m., with elections held at least 30 days after a resolution and election costs paid from local funds; there is a 12-month waiting period before another election after one held under these provisions. It also includes a rule for areas where a municipality is partly in St. Clair County and partly in another county, limiting sales to what is allowed in the adjoining county, and the act becomes law immediately upon the governor's approval.

Who It Affects
Voters living in each municipality within St. Clair County and voters in the county's unincorporated areas, who would decide yes or no on Sunday alcohol sales in their area.
Licensed alcohol retailers (ABC Board licensees) and the local regulatory bodies (city/county governments) that would regulate Sunday sales based on the election outcome and any adopted ordinances.

Key Provisions
Authorizes separate Sunday alcohol sales elections in each municipality within St. Clair County and in the county's unincorporated area.
If a majority votes Yes, Sunday sales become legal for licensees serving the general public under ABC Board licenses and local ordinances/regulations; the municipality/county may establish additional policies to regulate Sunday sales.
If a majority votes No, Sunday sales are prohibited after 2:00 a.m. until changed by law or a subsequent election, with elections held not less than 30 days after the resolution and a 12-month waiting period before another election under this section.
In areas where a municipality is partially in St. Clair County and primarily located in another county, Sunday sales are authorized only to the extent permitted in the portion of the municipality in the adjoining county.
Effective immediately upon the governor's approval; provisions are cumulative and do not repeal existing local or state authorities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: St. Clair County