HB148 Summary

• Permits licensed manufacturers or their representatives to conduct wine and distilled spirit tastings at retail stores licensed for off-premises consumption only and at state liquor stores, in compliance with Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board regulations.

• Wine tastings limited to one ounce per product with maximum of four wines; distilled spirit tastings limited to one-quarter ounce per product with maximum of two spirits, with tastings to commence no later than 6:00 p.m. and end within two hours, with only one tasting per premises in any 24-hour period.

• Phased implementation restricts tastings to 10 percent of state liquor stores through December 31, 2016; 20 percent during 2017; and 28 percent beginning January 1, 2018.

• Amends Section 28-3A-25 to specify that consumption of alcoholic beverages on state liquor store or off-premises retail premises is prohibited except as specifically allowed by law for authorized tastings.

• Effective six months following passage and approval by the Governor.