Senate committee approves bill to allow drive-through, walk-up alcohol sales

The Alabama Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Wednesday in a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes gave a favorable report to a bill that would allow any retailer licensed to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption to sell beer and wine through a drive-through or walk-up window. 

Committee members decided to toss in liquor along with beer and wine, however. An amendment was approved by the committee that would add alcohol to the language in the bill that would make it legal to sell beer and wine through a drive-through or walk-up window. 

The Alabama House on Feb. 10 voted to approve House Bill 119, sponsored by Rep. Gil Isbell, R-Gadsden, which would allow any retailer licensed to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption to sell beer and wine through a drive-through or walk-up window. 

An amendment was offered in the House on Feb. 10 that would have required all occupants in a vehicle using a drive-through window to buy alcohol be at least 21 years old, but the amendment failed in a vote. The bill was approved in a 65-18 vote. 

The bill now heads to the full Senate, and if approved, will be sent to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature.