Alabama Senate Bill SB172

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/22
• Refer: 2/2/22

Caption

Alcoholic beverages, direct line shippers, fulfillment centers, may ship to any county or municipality, application further provided for, exempt from registration as foreign entity with Sec. of State, Secs. 28-3A-6.1, 28-3A-6.2 am'd.

Impact

One significant impact of SB172 is the broadening of access to wine for Alabama residents, who will now be able to receive shipments regardless of their county's wet/dry status. Additionally, the bill relieves direct wine shipper licensees from several regulatory burdens, such as providing proof of liquor liability insurance, undergoing background checks for employees, and other identification processes. This streamlining is intended to foster growth in the local wine industry and enhance consumer access to a broader selection of wines.

Summary

SB172 aims to amend existing laws regarding the direct shipment of wine to Alabama residents by allowing direct wine shipper and fulfillment center licensees to ship wine to residents in any county or municipality, whether dry or wet. This change reflects an effort to expand the market for wine sales in the state and aligns Alabama's laws more closely with those of other jurisdictions, which may already have less restrictive policies on wine shipments. The bill also modifies certain application requirements for obtaining a direct wine shipper license, making the process less burdensome for potential applicants.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding this bill as it may challenge the traditional restrictions that have been in place due to the state's historical context regarding alcohol sales. Critics may express concerns over the potential for increased accessibility leading to underage drinking, as the bill allows easier shipment of alcohol directly into residential areas. Furthermore, although proponents of the bill argue that it preserves the integrity of local control by maintaining age restrictions and outlining specific shipment regulations, some locals may fear a loss of regulatory oversight in their communities as shipping becomes more widespread.