Alabama Alcohol Laws
Alabama is known for having some of the strictest alcohol-related laws in the nation. In fact, two out of every three counties in the state are dry. This means that the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
In the counties that do allow the sale of alcoholic beverages, most alcohol is sold in state-owned establishments. These are commonly referred to as package stores or ABC stores. Only beer and wine may be sold in convenience stores and supermarkets. In Alabama, beer must contain less than 6% alcohol by volume. If wine has an alcohol content of 14% or higher, it must be sold in a state liquor store.
Alcohol is allowed to be sold 6-days per week, 24-hours per day (unless the local ordinance states otherwise). Alcohol is prohibited from being sold after 2 a.m. on Sundays. Package stores are required to have an off-premise license. This means that it is illegal for people to consume alcohol on the property.
Bars and other establishments with an on-premise license are required to stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m.
In Alabama, it is illegal for people to drive with an open container in the passenger compartment of a vehicle (even if it is a re-corked bottle of wine). Passengers may not consume alcohol in the vehicle. It is a good idea to transport open bottles of alcohol in the trunk to avoid an open-container charge.
In Alabama, the penalty for a breath test refusal are less severe than for taking the test and failing.
In Alabama, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. The minimum age to bartend or wait tables in a restaurant that serves alcohol is 19 years old. A minor who is 16 or older may transport, handle and sell unopened wine and beer in grocery stores or other establishments where spirits are not the primary product. In this case, a supervisor over the age of 19 must be present.
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