Liquor law in Alabama
Drinking Age in Alabama
Alabama is one of the US states that has a minimum legal drinking age of 21 years. This means that persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages in Alabama.
Exceptions
There are some exceptions to this law, including:
- Persons who are 18 to 20 years old may consume alcohol if it is provided to them by their parent or legal guardian in a private setting such as a home.
- An individual who is at least 19 years old may serve alcohol in an establishment that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises, such as a bar or restaurant.
Penalties for Violation
If a person is found to be violating the drinking age laws in Alabama, they may face legal consequences. These can include fines, community service, and even imprisonment.
Additionally, any establishment that sells alcohol to a person under 21 years of age can face penalties such as fines, suspension or revocation of their liquor license, and legal action.
It is important for individuals and establishments to understand and comply with Alabama's drinking age laws to avoid legal repercussions.
Brief Summary of Driving and Alcohol Laws in Alabama
Alabama has strict laws on driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. These laws are enforced to prevent fatalities and injuries caused by drunk driving. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
Alabama uses a BAC limit of 0.08% for non-commercial drivers who are 21 years of age or older. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, while for drivers under 21, it is 0.02%.
Implied Consent Law
In Alabama, drivers have given their implied consent to a breathalyzer test or blood test if they are pulled over for suspected DUI. Refusing to take these tests can result in a fine and a suspension of your driver’s license.
Penalties for DUI
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Alabama can be severe. They include fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory attendance at a DUI school, and even jail time. The severity of the penalties depends on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense.
Ignition Interlock Devices
Alabama requires DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in their vehicles. These devices prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
Dram Shop Law
Alabama has a dram shop law, which holds establishments that serve alcohol responsible for injuries or damages caused by their patrons. This means that bars, restaurants, and liquor stores can face civil liability if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, and that person later causes an accident.
Open Container Laws
Alabama has strict open container laws. It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, whether the driver is drinking or not. This applies to both the driver and passengers.
Overall, it is essential to drink responsibly and avoid driving after consuming alcohol. In Alabama, the consequences of a DUI can be severe, both legally and personally.
Blood Alcohol Concentration in Alabama
| Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits in Alabama |
|---|
Alabama has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. The legal BAC limit for adult drivers over 21 years old is 0.08%. In simpler terms, this means that if you have 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, you are legally impaired to drive.
It is important to note that Alabama has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 years old. If a driver under the age of 21 is found to have any amount of alcohol in their system, they can face serious consequences, including fines, suspension of their driver's license, and even jail time.
Moreover, Alabama also has stricter BAC limits for commercial drivers. The legal BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%. This means that if a commercial driver is found to have a BAC of 0.04% or higher, they can face severe penalties, including fines and suspension of their commercial driver's license.
It is crucial to understand the risks and potential consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. Not only is it dangerous and potentially deadly, but it can also result in serious legal repercussions. Always designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation if you plan on drinking.
Open container law in Alabama
Open Container Law in Alabama
Alabama has strict laws regarding open containers of alcohol in motor vehicles. The following are important points to remember:
Prohibitions
- It is illegal to consume alcohol while driving a motor vehicle.
- The driver and all passengers must not have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of the vehicle.
Definitions
- An open container is any container of alcohol that has been opened or has a broken seal.
- The passenger area is any area of the vehicle that is readily accessible to the driver or any passenger.
Penalties
- Violating the open container law is a misdemeanor offense.
- A first offense can result in a fine of up to $200.
- Repeat offenses can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.
Exceptions
- There are some exceptions to the open container law, such as vehicles for hire (limousines, party buses) and RVs.
- If the vehicle is parked and not being driven, passengers may have open containers of alcohol in the passenger area.
It is important to follow Alabama's open container laws to avoid fines, penalties, and potential jail time.
Alabama Liquor Sale Open Hours
| City | Allowed Sale Hours |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | Monday - Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. |
| Montgomery | Monday - Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. |
| Mobile | Monday - Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. |
| Huntsville | Monday - Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. |
| Tuscaloosa | Monday - Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. |
In Alabama, the sale of liquor is regulated by state law. Each city in Alabama has its own specific hours for the sale of liquor. The allowed sale hours for the major cities in Alabama are mentioned in the table above.
On weekdays and Saturdays, liquor can be sold between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. On Sundays, liquor can be sold starting from 12:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. It is important to note that these hours can vary depending on the city and county in which the sale takes place.
It is important to comply with the state's liquor laws to avoid any legal complications.