December
14, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dean R.
Argo
(334) 213-6330
The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage
Control Board today unanimously authorized its on-premise licesees to sell
alcohol “to go” until January 4, 2021. In an emergency meeting, the Board voted
3-0 to allow the sales.
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases
statewide caused many Chambers of Commerce, corporations and licensees to fear
another economic slowdown during what is considered the busiest retail period
of the year. The ABC Board had previously authorized curbside sales for on-premise
licensees, but that rule lapsed on September 15, 2020.
Under the new amendment, an Alabama
licensee who holds a Restaurant and Retail Liquor license that allows the sale
of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption only may now sell for
off-premises consumption using curbside pick-up or take-out services with the
following restrictions: A licensee may sell no more than one .375 liter (375ml)
bottle of spirits, two 750 ml bottles of wine, or 144 ounces of beer per
customer. Additionally, the employee processing and handling the pick-up or
take-out order must be 21 years of age or older and the licensee or employee
processing and handling the pick-up or take-out order must verify that the
recipient is 21 years of age or older.
“We are extremely sensitive to the
plight of our licensees during the COVID-19 pandemic and we will continue to
make every attempt to help them remain open, financially viable, and safe,”
said ABC Board Administrator Mac Gipson.
The amendment takes effect immediately
and terminates on Janaury 4, 2021.
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