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 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 amend Sections 28-10-4, 28-10-5 and 28-10-6, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide further for the responsible vendors program; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.
Impact
With the enactment of SB321, retailers will be required to obtain specific licenses to sell mixed spirit beverages, while wholesalers will be mandated to hold a valid wholesaler license. This bill also plans to levy an excise or privilege tax on the distribution of mixed spirit beverages. These changes aim to clarify the regulatory framework surrounding the sale of these beverages, improving compliance and revenue generation for the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 321 (SB321) introduces a new category of alcoholic beverages defined as 'mixed spirit beverages' that contain no more than 12.5% alcohol by volume. This new category addresses the absence of specific provisions in existing law regarding the wholesale, retail sale, and taxation of low-alcohol content beverages. The bill mandates that mixed spirit beverages, unless distributed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, must be both distributed through licensed wholesalers and sold to licensed retailers for on-premises and off-premises consumption.
Contention
The bill addresses various aspects of the responsible vendor program, which requires retailers to provide employee training in recognizing underage customers and managing intoxicated individuals. This will enhance the enforcement of responsible drinking practices. Nevertheless, there may be contention surrounding the impacts of these regulations on small retailers who may face additional fees and compliance challenges in the process of adapting to these new licensing requirements.
Psychoactive cannabinoids in hemp; regulate under Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; hemp beverages and psychoactive hemp products defined; licensure required; penalties imposed for violations
Relating to self-defense, to amend Section 13A-3-23, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide a person's use of physical force in defending himself, herself, or another person is presumed reasonable; to further provide for the immunity received by a person whose use of physical force on another person is justified self-defense; to shift the burden of proving a person's use of physical force is not justified to the state; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style