SB88 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Class 1 municipalities, entertainment districts, authorized to have 15, under certain conditions, Sec. 28-3A-17.1 am'd.
Summary: SB88 would allow Class 1 Alabama municipalities to create up to 15 entertainment districts within their borders, expanding beyond the current limit of five.
What This Bill Does
In Class 1 municipalities, the bill raises the maximum number of entertainment districts from five to up to 15. Each district must have at least four licensees holding specific licenses (manufacturers with tastings, restaurant retail liquor, on-premises, or other retail liquor licenses) located within the district. Districts may not exceed a half-mile by half-mile in area and can be irregular in shape. Patrons may consume alcohol anywhere within the district, but open containers from one licensed premises cannot be taken into another licensed premises, and the district’s consumption rights do not extend the boundaries of any licensed premises.

Who It Affects
Class 1 municipalities (city governing bodies) would gain authority to designate up to 15 entertainment districts within their limits, subject to district size and licensee requirements.
Alcohol licensees and retailers within designated districts (manufacturers with tastings, restaurant liquor licensees, on-premises licenses, and other retail liquor licensees) would be affected by the new district designations and consumption within districts.

Key Provisions
authorize Class 1 municipalities to establish up to 15 entertainment districts within corporate limits (replacing the prior cap of five).
each district must have at least four licensees holding a manufacturer's license with tastings, a restaurant retail liquor license, an on-premises alcoholic beverage license, or other retail liquor license in that area.
each district may not exceed one-half mile by one-half mile in area, and may be irregularly shaped.
patrons may exit licensed premises with open containers and consume anywhere within the entertainment district, but may not enter another licensed premises with containers acquired elsewhere, and such consumption does not extend the licensed premises' boundaries.

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