Alabama is limiting the sale of alcohol to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In an emergency meeting today, the Alabama Beverage Control Board unanimously voted to cut sales of alcohol on premises in bars, restaurants, and clubs at 11 p.m. M. Every night with the requirement that all alcohol be consumed by 11:30 p.m. M. cut sales at 10 p.m. and consumption at 10:30 p.m. but, according to ABC administrator Mac Gipson, delayed the deadline after listening to bar and restaurant owners.
Gipson said the limitations are a “way to mitigate the difference between a full closure and (serving alcohol) until 2 am.”
“It won’t make everyone happy because there are bars that depend on night trade … but a bar, by definition, is a congregation of people,” said Gipson. “There are very few (bars) where they can be spaced 6 feet apart.”
Much of the concern about the bar crowds centered on the beach, he added.
“Alcohol intake generally leads to higher levels of fraternization,” said Gipson.
Calling the decision “heartbreaking,” Colonel President Alan Spencer said he expected the order to be “short-lived.” The order for alcohol has a limit of 120 days, but it can be rescinded at any time.
Gipson said state health officials had asked the board to consider suspending alcohol sales at 9 p.m. The change does not affect sidewalk or retail sales, only local consumption for bars, restaurants and clubs. Companies don’t have to close, but they must stop selling alcohol at set times.
Violators may be subject to suspension of their license.
