HB188 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris BlackshearRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Class 5 municipality, governing body authorized to establish two entertainment districts within corporate limits, Sec. 28-3A-17.1 am'd.

Summary

HB188 would let certain Class 5 municipalities create up to two entertainment districts within their borders, each with at least three liquor-licensed premises.

What This Bill Does

It amends the law to allow Class 5 municipalities organized under Act 77-71 to establish up to two entertainment districts, each with a minimum of three licensees holding a restaurant liquor license, an on-premises license, or other retail liquor license. Each district may be up to a half mile by a half mile in area and may be irregularly shaped. The bill lowers the minimum licensees per district from four to three for these municipalities and allows patrons to consume alcohol within the district and exit with open containers, as long as they stay inside the district and do not enter other licensed premises. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage (and governor's approval).

Who It Affects

• Class 5 municipalities organized under Act 77-71: gain authority to establish up to two entertainment districts within their corporate limits, with at least three licensees per district.
• Licensed alcohol businesses within those districts (restaurant, on-premises, or other retail licensees): must meet the new minimum of three licensees per district and operate under rules allowing alcohol consumption anywhere within the district.

Key Provisions

• Allows Class 5 municipalities organized under Act 77-71 to establish up to two entertainment districts within the municipality's borders, each with at least three licensees holding a restaurant retail liquor license, an on-premises alcoholic beverage license, or other retail liquor license.
• Each entertainment district may not exceed one-half mile by one-half mile in area and may be irregularly shaped.
• Permits consuming alcoholic beverages anywhere within the entertainment district for on-premises licenses and allows patrons to exit the premises with open containers, as long as they stay within the district and do not enter another licensed premises with containers acquired elsewhere.
• Repeals conflicting laws about the boundaries, size, or area of entertainment districts, and related legal provisions.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and 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

Class 5 Municipalities