HB381 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mack N. ButlerRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Rainbow City, alcoholic beverage Sunday sales, referendum
Summary: This act lets Rainbow City hold a local referendum to decide whether Sunday alcohol sales are allowed, with specific hours and rules if approved.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes Rainbow City's governing body to call a Sunday alcohol sale election. If voters say Yes, licensed retailers can sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM (and after 1:00 PM on New Year's Eve) within the city, subject to applicable laws and city regulations. If voters say No, Sunday sales are restricted and may not occur after 2:00 AM on Sundays. The election costs are paid from the city's general fund, and the city may pass ordinances to regulate Sunday sales; the act applies only to Rainbow City and becomes effective once the governor approves it.

Who It Affects
Voters in Rainbow City (Etowah County) who will participate in the local referendum on whether Sunday alcohol sales should be allowed.
Licensed alcohol retailers within Rainbow City (under ABC Board licensing) whose Sunday selling hours and allowances depend on the election outcome.

Key Provisions
The City of Rainbow City can call an election to determine whether Sunday alcoholic beverages can be sold or dispensed within the municipality.
Ballot question asks voters to decide if sale and distribution on Sundays between 1:00 PM and 9:30 PM (and after 1:00 PM on New Year's Eve) should be legal.
If the majority votes Yes, Sunday sales are allowed during those hours by licensed vendors, with hours and regulations governed by applicable laws and city ordinances.
If the majority votes No, Sunday sales are not allowed after 2:00 AM on Sundays, unless otherwise authorized by law or future election.
Election costs are paid from the municipality's general fund, and the municipality may enact policies to regulate Sunday sales.
The act is cumulative with existing city powers and does not repeal current authority, and it becomes effective immediately after governor 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: Etowah County