HB627 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Neil RaffertyRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Merika ColemanJuandalynn GivanRolanda HollisBecky Nordgren

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Food trucks, license to sell alcoholic beverages for public consumption authorized in Class 1 municipalities, Sec. 28-3A-17.1 added.

Summary

The bill would let Class 1 Alabama municipalities license food trucks to sell alcohol for off-premises use, allowing open containers within a defined boundary around the truck.

What This Bill Does

It creates a new food truck license under Section 28-3A-17.1 that authorizes sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption within a defined boundary near the truck. Patrons may drink those beverages in open containers within that boundary, provided local ordinances do not prohibit it. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board would adopt rules and may require a boundary barrier to protect health and safety. The provision applies only to Class 1 municipalities and defines food trucks as fully encased mobile food service operations, excluding non-motorized food carts.

Who It Affects

• Food truck operators in Class 1 municipalities: eligible to obtain a license to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption near the truck, subject to board rules and local ordinances.
• Customers/guests at licensed food trucks: may consume alcoholic beverages in open containers within the defined boundary near the truck.
• Local governments in Class 1 municipalities: can regulate or prohibit licenses through ordinances as part of police power.
• Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: must adopt rules governing licenses, boundaries, and health/safety measures, and may require barriers around the boundary.

Key Provisions

• Adds new Section 28-3A-17.1 applicable only in Class 1 municipalities.
• Defines food truck as a fully encased mobile food service vehicle or trailer; excludes non-motorized food carts.
• Authorized licenses allow sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption within a defined boundary near the truck, if not prohibited by local ordinance.
• Board may require a boundary barrier and must adopt rules to protect public health and safety.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alcoholic Beverages