HB304 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Neil RaffertyRepresentative
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Relating to alcoholic beverage sales; to amend Section 28-3A-17.2, Code of Alabama 1975; to further provide for alcoholic beverage sales by food and beverage trucks within established entertainment districts by extending the license to municipalities in all classes.
Summary: HB304 expands alcohol sales by food and beverage trucks to all municipalities with established entertainment districts, with licensing rules and safety provisions.
What This Bill Does
The bill allows a food or beverage truck to obtain a license to sell one alcoholic beverage for on-premises consumption within an entertainment district in any municipality with such a district (not just Class 1). The license, issued after municipal approval and a $300 fee, permits purchase of liquor, wine, and beer from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and restricts sales to areas designated by the municipality; outside the district, sales are prohibited. It also imposes requirements for inspections, tax collection, proximity restrictions near entrances, and potential board-imposed safety measures such as cameras and barriers.

Who It Affects
Food or beverage truck operators in municipalities with established entertainment districts, who may apply for and operate under a license to sell alcohol within those districts (subject to approvals and rules).
Municipal governments in all classes with established entertainment districts and local residents within those districts, who will regulate the licenses, enforce rules, and experience changes in how alcohol is sold and consumed on trucks within designated areas.

Key Provisions
Extends the food or beverage truck alcohol license to all municipalities with established entertainment districts (not limited to Class 1).
Defines a food or beverage truck as a fully encased mobile or trailer-based eating or drinking establishment approved by the Department of Public Health, excluding non-motorized carts.
License allows purchase of alcohol from the ABC Board and sale of one alcoholic beverage per sale for on-premises consumption within a district area designated by the municipality, if not prohibited by ordinance.
Requires municipal approval via a certificate approving issuance of the license; license fee is $300.
Sales restricted to within the designated entertainment district; trucks outside the district may not sell alcohol.
Licensee must consent to warrantless inspections and comply with on-premises rules (other than seating/restroom requirements); must collect and remit all applicable taxes.
Cannot serve within 150 feet of entrances to any permanent restaurant or ABC licensee.
Board may require security cameras and barriers; may set boundaries around the truck area and adopt additional health and safety rules.

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, provide that Food & Beverage Trucks can sell in all municipalities