HB3 Summary

• Wine manufacturers in Alabama may sell table wine directly at retail at up to 4 satellite tasting rooms located off the manufacturing premises and at up to 10 special events per year, in addition to sales at the manufacturer's premises.

• Manufacturers must obtain a wine manufacturer's tasting room license ($150 annual fee) and a wine manufacturer's special event license ($150 per event) with approval from municipal or county governing bodies.

• Special event licenses allow sales for a maximum of 3 consecutive days per event, and manufacturers must file applications 60 days in advance and display licenses at all times.

• A $0.45 per liter excise tax is imposed on wine sold or dispensed at tasting rooms and special events, with $0.38 per liter remitted to the state board and $0.07 per liter remitted to the municipality or county.

• The bill becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.