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AL SB194
Bill
Status
4/11/2023
Primary Sponsor
Steve Livingston
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AI Summary
SB194 Summary
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Defines "mixed spirit beverages" as single-serve ready-to-drink liquor beverages in containers no larger than 16 ounces with no more than 12.5% alcohol by volume.
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Requires all mixed spirit beverages (except those sold by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board) to be distributed exclusively through licensed wholesalers to retail licensees for on-premises and off-premises consumption.
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Levies a privilege/excise tax of $0.98 per 12 fluid ounces on mixed spirit beverages, with revenues split between the state general fund, regulatory agencies, and local municipalities.
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Mandates that manufacturers and importers of mixed spirit beverages designate exclusive sales territories and enter into written franchise agreements with licensed wholesalers, with detailed provisions governing modification, termination, and dispute resolution.
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Becomes effective April 1, 2024, and establishes Chapter 8B with comprehensive franchise regulations to maintain Alabama's three-tier alcoholic beverage control system.
Legislative Description
Relating to alcoholic beverages; to amend Sections 28-3-1, 28-3A-3, 28-3A-21, and 28-3A-23, Code of Alabama 1975 and add Sections 28-3-208, 28-3A-9.1, and 28-3A-17.2 to the Code of Alabama 1975; to define a new category of low-alcohol content liquor beverages called mixed spirit beverages; to require all mixed spirit beverages, other than those distributed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, to be distributed through a licensed wholesaler; to levy taxes upon the distribution of these beverages; to provide for licensure of retailers of mixed spirit beverages and set a fee for licensure; to add Chapter 8B to Title 28 of the Code of Alabama 1975; to require licensed importers, manufacturers, and suppliers of mixed spirit beverages to enter into exclusive franchise agreements with wholesalers; to exempt from the wholesaler franchise laws mixed spirit beverages distributed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and sold at retail at ABC stores; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.
Last Action
Introduced and Referred to Senate Tourism
4/11/2023