SB260 Summary

• Requires the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to phase out all state-operated liquor store retail operations by October 1, 2022, with at least 20 percent of stores closing annually beginning October 1, 2018.

• Establishes a retail licensing system allowing private licensees to purchase and sell liquor in original unopened containers for off-premises consumption, with an annual retail license fee of $750 per outlet.

• Creates the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Retail Phase-Out Fund to receive proceeds from asset sales and fund phase-out costs including employee severance packages of three months' salary.

• Implements employment protections for displaced retail employees including relocation assistance, part-time work options, transfer opportunities to other state positions, and hiring preferences in the state merit system for two years.

• Creates a Retailer Advisory Committee composed of five members appointed by legislative and executive leadership to review board policies, product availability, pricing, and report violations to the Attorney General and State Ethics Commission.