SB339 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Entertainment districts, revise qualifications for certain municipalities to establish, Sec. 28-3A-17.1 am'd.
Summary: SB 339 revises Alabama's entertainment district rules by adding a tastings license and expanding which municipalities can establish districts, including size and license requirements.
What This Bill Does
It adds a manufacturers license that conducts tastings or samplings to the licenses that must be located in an entertainment district. It allows up to five entertainment districts for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 municipalities, and municipalities within 15 miles of the Gulf of Mexico; it also provides up to two districts for Class 5 municipalities (or those with an incorporated arts council, main street program, or downtown development entity) and up to two districts for Class 8 municipalities under certain county conditions. Each district must have at least four licensees (including the new tastings license and other retail liquor licenses such as restaurant retail liquor or on-premises licenses), and the district area cannot exceed one-half mile by one-half mile in size (districts may be irregularly shaped). In Class 2 areas, licensed premises within the district include sidewalks or decks adjacent to the premises and, during events, areas outside the entrance. Patrons may exit licensed premises with open containers and drink anywhere within the district, but may not take containers into another licensed premises; the on-premises provision includes consumption anywhere within the district.

Who It Affects
Municipalities that are Class 1-4 and those within 15 miles of the Gulf of Mexico, plus Class 5 municipalities (and those with an incorporated arts council, main street program, or downtown development entity) and Class 8 municipalities under certain conditions, which may establish entertainment districts under revised rules.
Alcoholic beverage licensees operating within districts (including manufacturers with tastings licenses, restaurant retail liquor licenses, on-premises licenses, and other retail liquor licenses) because districts must contain at least four qualifying licensees.
Residents and visitors who participate in entertainment districts, as they may be allowed to possess and consume open containers within the district boundaries.

Key Provisions
Adds a manufacturers license that conducts tastings or samplings to the licenses required to be located in an entertainment district.
Specifies the number and size limits for entertainment districts across different municipality classes: up to five districts for Class 1-4 municipalities (and those within 15 miles of the Gulf) and up to two districts for certain Class 5 and Class 8 municipalities under specified conditions.
Requires each district to have not fewer than four licensees holding a retail liquor license (including the new tastings license) and restricts district size to not exceed 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile.
For Class 2 municipalities, expands the definition of licensed premises within the district to include adjacent sidewalks or decks and, during special events, areas directly outside the entrance.
Allows patrons to consume alcohol anywhere within the district while prohibiting carrying containers into other licensed premises.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following the Governor's 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: Entertainment Districts