Alabama Senate Bill SB337

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22

Caption

Alcoholic beverage licenses, Hospitality Management Program license created at certain state universities, activities under license authorized

Impact

The bill directly impacts the existing alcoholic beverage control laws in Alabama by creating specific allowances for state universities engaged in hospitality education. Under the proposed law, universities would not only be able to sell alcohol but might also operate distilleries, breweries, or wineries as part of their educational operations. This could generate additional revenue for the institutions while offering valuable educational opportunities for students in hospitality management and related fields.

Summary

SB337 proposes the establishment of a new type of alcoholic beverage license specifically for public universities in Alabama that offer hospitality management programs. The license would allow these institutions to produce, transfer, and sell alcoholic beverages on their campuses, thus integrating practical experience into their hospitality education. This initiative aims to enhance the academic offerings of these programs and provide students with relevant hands-on experience in the industry.

Contention

Concerns may arise regarding the implications of allowing universities to produce and sell alcohol. Critics might argue that this could lead to increased alcohol consumption among students and raise ethical questions about educational institutions engaging in such business activities. Additionally, there could be discussions around the regulatory framework that would govern these new licenses, particularly ensuring responsible service and compliance with existing state laws regarding alcoholic beverages.