The bill HB521 Engrossed amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to introduce a new category of alcoholic beverages called "mixed spirit beverages," defined as single-serve drinks containing liquor, packaged in containers no larger than 16 ounces and with an alcohol content of no more than seven percent by volume. The bill establishes regulations for the distribution, labeling, and display of these beverages, requiring label approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. It also imposes a new excise tax of $0.035 per ounce on mixed spirit beverages, which wholesalers must collect from purchasers and remit to the state. The bill modifies existing licensing provisions, allowing for the inclusion of mixed spirit beverages in various licenses while removing outdated language related to beer and wine.

Additionally, the bill introduces new licensing requirements for wholesalers and retailers of mixed spirit beverages, including the establishment of two new sections that detail the wholesaler and expanded retail licenses. It clarifies the definitions of key industry terms and mandates that all licenses be displayed prominently. The bill also allows for the donation of mixed spirit beverages at nonprofit events and introduces a new food or beverage truck license for selling alcoholic beverages in designated areas. Overall, HB521 aims to modernize the regulatory framework for alcoholic beverages in Alabama, particularly in response to the growing market for mixed spirit beverages, while ensuring compliance and public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-3A-9
Engrossed: 28-1-9