SB292 Summary

• Requires the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to phase out retail liquor store operations by October 1, 2021, closing at least 20% of state stores annually beginning in 2017.

• Grants retail liquor sales privileges to private licensees through a new licensing system with annual fees of $750 per outlet; existing licensees as of bill introduction may continue operating without license transfer restrictions.

• Establishes a Retail Phase-Out Fund from proceeds of asset sales to cover phase-out costs and employee benefits, including three months additional salary compensation for displaced retail employees.

• Creates a Products Selection Review Committee composed of five members to oversee board product selection decisions and report violations to the Attorney General and State Ethics Commission.

• Modifies tax structure on alcohol sales: increases existing taxes effective October 1, 2021, and reallocates table wine tax proceeds to state agencies, wet counties, and municipalities that previously hosted state liquor stores.