HB522 Summary

• Applies only to the City of Gadsden and authorizes a municipal election to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages seven days a week for both on-premises and off-premises consumption by licensed retailers.

• The City of Gadsden's governing body shall call an election with ballot language asking: "Do you favor the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages for on and off premises consumption within the corporate limits of the City of Gadsden seven days a week?"

• The first election shall be held at the municipal election in 2014, with subsequent elections following standard municipal election procedures; election notice must be published or posted at least three weeks in advance and costs paid from the municipal general fund.

• If a majority of qualified voters approve, alcoholic beverages may be legally sold or dispensed seven days a week by Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and City of Gadsden licensees in accordance with applicable laws; if voters reject the measure, sales seven days a week are prohibited except as otherwise authorized by law or subsequent election.

• At least 360 days must elapse between successive elections under this act; the provisions are cumulative and supplemental to existing City of Gadsden authority and do not repeal existing powers.