SB332 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Class 1 municipalities, entertainment districts, authorized to have 15, under certain conditions, Sec. 28-3A-17.1 am'd.

Summary

SB332 would allow Class 1 Alabama municipalities to create up to 15 entertainment districts, increasing the current limit from five.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 28-3A-17.1 to let Class 1 municipalities establish up to 15 entertainment districts within their boundaries under certain rules. Each district must have at least four licensees with specific liquor licenses and cannot exceed a 0.5 mile by 0.5 mile area, though shapes can be irregular. Patrons within a district may drink alcohol and exit licensed premises with open containers, but may not take containers into other licensed premises or bring outside beverages into another licensed premises.

Who It Affects

• Governing bodies of Class 1 municipalities: gain authority to designate up to 15 entertainment districts.
• Retail liquor licensees and licensees holding licenses (manufacturers with tastings, restaurant licenses, on-premises licenses, or other retail licenses) located in those districts: must be present in each district (minimum four per district) and operate under applicable liquor laws.
• Residents and visitors in Class 1 municipalities: may consume alcohol within entertainment districts and carry open containers within the district, subject to district boundaries and rules.

Key Provisions

• authorize Class 1 municipalities to establish up to 15 entertainment districts within their corporate limits.
• Each district must have at least four licensees holding a manufacturer's license (conduct tastings), a restaurant retail liquor license, an on-premises license, or other retail liquor license.
• Districts may not exceed one-half mile by one-half mile in area (0.5 miles by 0.5 miles) and may be irregularly shaped.
• Patrons may exit licensed premises with open containers and consume anywhere within the entertainment district; cannot enter another licensed premises with containers acquired elsewhere.
• Amends Section 28-3A-17.1 to reflect these changes for Class 1 municipalities; includes provisions about applicability to other classes and repeal of conflicting laws.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Class 1 Municipalities