SB 287 Summary

• Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board must phase out all retail sales of alcoholic beverages and close all state-operated liquor stores by September 30, 2026, while continuing wholesale operations and licensing functions.

• Creates a new retail license (maximum $750 annual fee) allowing existing licensees to purchase liquor from the board and sell unopened containers for off-premises consumption; licenses cannot be sold or transferred.

• Board markup on wholesale liquor sales capped at 16.99% before September 30, 2026, and 20% thereafter; additional markup distributed to current profit recipients and used for operating expenses and displaced worker benefits.

• Municipalities and counties may continue collecting sales taxes on liquor sales by retail licensees at the same rates as other tangible property, with base-year tax amounts allocated to prior recipients.

• Sections 28-3-280 through 28-3-286 repealed September 30, 2026; act becomes effective immediately upon passage and governor approval.