Alabama Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Alcohol can be purchased any day but Sunday in counties where alcohol is legal. ABC stores, also called package/state-owned stores, sell spirits and wine that have an alcohol content of 14 percent or higher. Table wine and beer with low alcohol content is sold in grocery and convenience stores. After 2 a.m., alcohol is no longer served.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
At 21, a person can legally consume alcohol. At 19, a person can serve alcohol in a restaurant or work as a bartender. At 16, a person can sell unopened packages of beer or wine in grocery or convenience stores as long as they are being supervised by someone over the age of 19.

Open Container Laws
If a container of alcohol has been previously opened, it must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.

BAC Limits
If a person tests (breath, blood, or urine) with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) without further evidence.

‘Zero tolerance laws’ attempt to deter underage drivers from drinking. If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher, they face DUI penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for 90 days for the first offense, one year for the second offense, and three years for the third offense.

The only requirement for those convicted of a DUI in Alabama is mandatory alcohol education and assessment or treatment, unlike much more severe penalties in other states such as vehicle confiscation.

After a driver’s fourth conviction, DUI is considered a felony.