HB489 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: James E. Buskey
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Alcoholic beverages, add'l type of community development district, established, marina included, Secs. 35-8B-1, 35-8B-2, 35-8B-3 am'd.
Summary: HB489 creates a new class of community development districts in Alabama, expands district features to include marinas and other large private developments, and allows alcohol sales within those districts under relaxed rules.
What This Bill Does
It adds new types of districts with size and facility requirements (golf, marina, clubhouses, restaurants) and defines how they are established. It lets district-owned clubs sell alcohol to members and their guests on site, with licensing by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and allows Sunday sales in some district types. It also changes alcohol-related rules so certain districts are not subject to some existing rules (35-8B-3) and outlines tax distributions and probate-fee processes for establishing districts.

Who It Affects
Developers/owners who form or expand community development districts can gain new authorities to develop golf courses, marinas, clubs, and alcohol sales within the district.
Members, guests, and alcohol licensees within these districts (e.g., club liquor licensees) who can purchase and consume alcohol on-site and may have Sunday sales in some districts.

Key Provisions
Creates additional classes of community development districts with defined criteria (private residential developments, marina districts, large mixed-use districts) and allows inclusion of amenities like golf courses, clubhouses, marinas, and restaurants.
Authorizes sale of alcoholic beverages within these districts—on premises for club members/guests; in some district types Sunday sales are allowed; in certain districts 35-8B-3 restrictions do not apply; and alcohol revenues can offset other tax provisions. Establishment and governance provisions outline consent, boundaries, board selection, and probate court filing/fees.

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