SB329 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Holtzclaw

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Wine, direct shipment to consumer, authorized under certain conditions, wine direct shipper license required by Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, penalties

Summary

SB329 would create a wine direct shipper license allowing licensed wine producers and related businesses to ship limited quantities of wine directly to Alabama residents for personal use, under state licensing, tax, and labeling requirements.

What This Bill Does

It would allow a currently licensed wine producer, supplier, importer, wholesaler, distributor, or retailer to obtain a wine direct shipper license from the ABC Board to ship up to 24 cases per year, with each case not exceeding 9 liters, directly to Alabama residents aged 21 or older for personal use. Licensees must apply, pay a $100 registration fee, provide a copy of their current license, and obtain the wine direct shipper license; they must follow labeling and tax requirements (out-of-state licensees report shipments and pay Alabama taxes; in-state licensees provide additional compliance information). The bill imposes penalties for unlicensed shipments (Class C misdemeanor), allows the ABC Board to suspend or revoke licenses with possible compromise, and sets a $50 annual renewal fee, plus the board and revenue department may issue rules to implement it. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Wine producers, suppliers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, or retailers who are licensed and may ship wine directly to Alabama residents
• Alabama residents 21 years or older who would receive direct shipments of wine for personal use
• Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Department of Revenue, which would license, regulate, audit, and collect taxes related to direct shipments
• Local government entities, which are noted as exempt from certain local-fund expenditure requirements due to a constitutional exception

Key Provisions

• Creates a wine direct shipper license and allows licensees to ship up to 24 cases per year, each case not exceeding 9 liters, to Alabama residents 21+ for personal use
• Requires licensees to apply to the ABC Board, pay a $100 registration fee, provide a current license, and obtain the direct shipper license; renewals require a $50 renewal fee
• Exterior shipping must be labeled to show alcohol content and that an individual 21 or older must sign for delivery; in-state and out-of-state tax and reporting requirements apply, with audits allowed
• Out-of-state licensees must report annual shipments and pay Alabama sales and excise taxes; in-state licensees must provide additional compliance information
• Unlicensed direct shipments are illegal and carry Class C misdemeanor penalties; the ABC Board may suspend or revoke licenses and may accept offers in compromise
• The Board and the Department of Revenue may jointly promulgate rules to implement the section
• Effective date: first day of the third month after 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

Alcoholic Beverages