Alabama law sets rules for small alcohol makers and sales

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board may issue brewpub, small craft distillery, and small craft winery licenses, as well as a combined license. Brewpubs may make up to 10,000 barrels of beer a year. Small craft distilleries and wineries may each make up to 50,000 gallons a year. Combined-license premises must be separate, connected, and walkable. Applicants must meet the applicable state licensing requirements. The board may issue a combined license to qualified applicants. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Licensed producers may offer guided tours and may apply for a license to serve samples and sell their own drinks at public events. A public event must be sponsored by a private or nonprofit organization, invite the public, and last no more than three consecutive days. Event sales must be packaged for off-site use and follow daily limits. Tours must include an in-person guide and an educational component. A tour may include one tasting session per day, with no more than two small samples; tours do not authorize drink sales. The board may approve an event license after an application at least 20 days before the event and payment of a fee of up to $150. A producer may receive no more than 12 such licenses per year and may sell only drinks it makes. Applications for event licenses must be filed at least 20 days before the event.

A licensed alcohol manufacturer may seek board approval to store finished or unfinished goods at one off-site location. This provision covers manufacturers licensed under the small craft chapter or another state manufacturing license. The site must be in Alabama, no more than 10 miles from the licensed premises, and used only for storage. Sales, tastings, and distribution are not allowed there. The manufacturer must provide federal approval, proof it controls the property, and a current state license. The board must approve the application before the site is used. The board must approve the site before the manufacturer uses it.

A licensed delivery service may deliver beer, wine, or spirits from a retailer to an adult customer for personal use. The delivery rules cover beer, wine, or spirits delivered from licensed retail premises for personal use, not resale. Customers must be at least 21, and deliveries must arrive the same day the drinks leave the retailer. Delivery workers must meet age, background-check, and training rules; recipients must show identification and sign. Deliveries cannot go to dry communities, college residence halls, or locations more than 75 miles from the retailer. A technology company that only connects customers and retailers, and does not employ or contract with delivery workers, does not need a delivery license. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.