SB464 Summary

• Retail Phase-Out: Requires the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to phase out all state liquor store retail operations by October 1, 2015, and close all retail locations by that date.

• License Transfer to Private Sector: Establishes a competitive bidding process to issue retail licenses to private licensees, with initial bid opening March 1, 2015, allowing current retail operators to purchase licenses with financing options available.

• Displaced Employee Benefits: Provides hiring freeze on new board employees, grants three months additional salary to employees staffing operations during phase-out, establishes 5% bid preference for displaced employees, and allows preference in state job placement.

• Asset Disposition and Special Fund: Creates the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Retail Phase-Out Fund to receive proceeds from sale of fixed assets and initial bid payments, with funds used for phase-out costs including employee benefits.

• Continued Board Functions and Oversight: Board retains wholesale operations, licensing, and enforcement duties; establishes Products Selection Review Committee to monitor pricing and product availability; converts to inventory bailment system; and adjusts markup percentages and tax distribution effective October 1, 2015.