Bill > HB393

This bill authorizes the City of Alabaster to establish up to two entertainment districts within the city, where special alcohol consumption rules will apply. Specifically, the City Council can create these districts (each no larger than a half-mile by half-mile area) and will have the authority to regulate their operation, including setting hours and potentially revoking the district's designation. In these entertainment districts, licensed alcohol retailers can obtain a special permit that allows patrons to exit their establishment with open alcoholic beverage containers and consume them anywhere within the district's boundaries. However, patrons cannot carry these beverages into other licensed premises or bring in alcoholic beverages from outside the district during its operational hours. The city will be responsible for enforcing the ordinance and can impose penalties for violations. The bill, which is enacted under a specific provision of the Alabama Constitution, will take effect on June 1, 2025, providing local businesses and the city government time to prepare for implementation of these new entertainment district regulations.