HB448 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Leigh HulseyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the City of Helena in Shelby County; to authorize the City Council of the City of Helena to establish and regulate the operation of entertainment districts in the city as designated by the Helena City Code; and to authorize the city council to provide penalties for violations.

Summary

HB448 lets Helena create up to two entertainment districts (each no larger than 0.5 by 0.5 miles) where alcohol service can be regulated by city ordinance.

What This Bill Does

The City Council may designate up to two entertainment districts in Helena, defined by the Helena City Code, and regulate their hours and operations. Licensees located in these districts can obtain an entertainment district permit and must follow alcohol license rules; patrons may exit a licensed premises with open containers within the district but cannot bring containers into other licensees’ premises. Non-licensees are prohibited from bringing in alcohol acquired outside the district during operating hours, and the city will enforce penalties for violations; any conflicting laws are repealed and the act becomes effective upon governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Alcohol licensees with on-premises licenses located in an entertainment district: may apply for an entertainment district permit and must comply with license rules; subject to district hours and other regulations.
• Residents and visitors in Helena's entertainment districts: may carry opened containers within the district and must follow rules about outside containers and interaction with other licensees; subject to enforcement and penalties.

Key Provisions

• The City Council may establish not more than two entertainment districts in Helena, each within a 0.5 mile by 0.5 mile area and containing one or more ABC licensees.
• Ordinance may regulate hours, may revoke district designation, may regulate other aspects of district operation; licensees in the district may obtain an entertainment district permit; patrons may exit with open containers within the district but cannot bring outside containers into other licensees' premises; non-licensees may not possess alcohol acquired outside the district during hours; the act repeals conflicting laws and becomes effective after 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.