SB298 Summary

• Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board must phase out all retail liquor store operations by October 1, 2023, with at least 20% of stores closing annually beginning October 1, 2019.

• Private retail licensees receive authority to sell liquor for off-premises consumption in original unopened containers, with existing licensees as of the bill's introduction allowed to continue operations under their current terms.

• Board must sell fixed assets and property to obtain best available prices, with proceeds deposited into a new Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Retail Phase-Out Fund to pay phase-out costs including employee benefits.

• Displaced employees receive job transition benefits including preference for other state positions, relocation assistance, and potential 20% discount on license fees for employers hiring them; employees in retail operations during phase-out receive three months additional salary in lump sum.

• Creates Retailer Advisory Committee of five members to review board policies on product selection, pricing, and distribution, with authority to report violations to Attorney General and State Ethics Commission.