Alabama House Bill HB329

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/18/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Report Pass: 4/26/23

Caption

Relating to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; to amend Sections 28-1-5, as amended by Act 2022-383, 2022 Regular Session, and 28-10-6 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to authorize an employee of a restaurant or hotel that is a restaurant or special retail licensee of the board to serve alcoholic beverages under the same specified conditions as an employee of a restaurant licensee; and to further provide for the forms and records of responsible vendor training.

Impact

If enacted, HB329 would modify existing regulations governing underage employees in the food and beverage industry by allowing them to serve alcohol under specific, regulated circumstances. The bill requires that training for these employees be conducted online or through approved classroom settings, ensuring they are knowledgeable about dealing with underage customers and handling intoxicated patrons. The amendments aim to foster responsible serving practices while maintaining compliance with state laws governing alcohol consumption and service.

Summary

House Bill 329 seeks to amend specific sections of the Alabama Code related to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, specifically targeting the conditions under which individuals aged 18 to 20 years can serve alcoholic beverages. Currently, individuals in this age group can serve alcohol in certain restaurant settings, and the proposed legislation extends this allowance to employees of restaurants and hotels that are classified as special retail licensees under state law. The bill emphasizes responsible vendor training to ensure compliance with alcohol service regulations, thus promoting safer service practices in establishments serving alcohol.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill could raise concerns among certain advocacy groups and community members regarding the potential risks of increasing youth involvement in alcohol service. Critics may argue that permitting younger employees to serve alcohol could lead to increased access for underage drinking or reduced oversight in alcohol-related situations. The requirement for responsible vendor training may be seen as a necessary step, but opponents might question whether it is adequate to ensure safety, particularly in high-pressure environments typical of restaurants and hotels.