The bill amends Section 28-3A-23 of the Code of Alabama 1975, introducing significant changes to the requirements for obtaining alcoholic beverage licenses. A key provision is the mandatory criminal background check for all applicants, who must now submit a sworn form granting consent for the release of their criminal history, along with their name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Additionally, applicants are required to provide two sets of fingerprints for submission to the State Bureau of Investigations for a national background check. The definition of an applicant is clarified to include anyone with a 10% or greater ownership interest in the establishment, excluding publicly traded corporations. The bill also makes several deletions and insertions to refine legal language, such as replacing "code" with "title" and removing references to "contracted entities" for background checks, indicating that the State Bureau of Investigations will directly handle these checks.

Furthermore, the bill HB426 introduces new provisions regarding the issuance of licenses for certain premises, granting the board sole discretion over the propriety, timing, and duration of license issuance. The board is also empowered to impose specific operational conditions for licensed premises. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or upon its otherwise becoming law. The bill was passed by the House on May 18, 2023, and by the Senate on May 25, 2023, aiming to enhance the integrity of the licensing process for alcoholic beverage sales in Alabama.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-3A-23
Enrolled: 28-3A-23