AL SB217

Creates new "mixed spirit beverages" category for ready-to-drink liquor cocktails containing no more than 7% alcohol by volume in containers up to 16 ounces, allowing distribution through licensed wholesalers to retailers rather than exclusively through ABC stores

Imposes excise tax of $0.025 per ounce on mixed spirit beverages, with 50% going to State General Fund, 33% retained by ABC Board for enforcement, and remainder distributed to counties/municipalities where sold

Establishes licensing structure including mixed spirit beverage wholesaler license ($550), limited mixed spirit beverage expanded retail license ($500), and beer/wine/mixed spirit beverage combined wholesaler license ($1,000)

Requires retailers selling mixed spirit beverages to implement electronic age verification systems and imposes escalating penalties for underage sales: 30-day suspension for first offense, 90-day suspension for second offense within 18 months, and 24-month license revocation for third offense

Mandates exclusive sales territory distribution agreements between suppliers and wholesalers, requiring suppliers to pay fair market value compensation to wholesalers upon no-cause termination of distribution agreements