Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
Like many states located in the southeast, Alabama is no exception when it comes to the selling and buying of alcohol. Alabama is one of the many states with strict laws related to virtually all aspects of alcohol. That includes manufacturing, distributing, selling, and even consuming. The state has several completely dry counties, meaning there are very few, sometimes, no options for purchasing alcohol. That said, there is still quite a bit of consumption within the state.
Although the Heart of Dixie may not be a very friendly place for alcohol distributors, it’s certainly one that producers should consider when it comes to reaching consumers. For those producers, distributors, and retailers, understanding the state-imposed laws and regulations is extremely important. Today we’re sharing everything we know about the sale of alcohol in the state of Alabama. Read on as we discuss Alabama’s alcohol laws and regulations, and outline other facts that may be of interest to anyone in the industry, including consumers.
If you’re interested in entering the market and don’t know where to start or if you need further insight, be sure to reach out to us by completing the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Consumption Trends In Alabama
Even within the state of Alabama, alcohol consumption varies throughout time depending on the product type. All have undergone modifications, including growth and shrinkage. For instance, over the previous five years, the CAGR for spirits was 3.85%. With 0.11% growth, wine has seen much more stability. The CAGR for beer consumption has decreased by -0.84%. Please take a closer look at the charts below for more information.
Alabama Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Alabama Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Alabama Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Alabama Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Alabama by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 456 | N/A |
| Canadian Whisky | 271 | N/A |
| Scotch Whisky | 42 | N/A |
| Irish Whiskey | 21 | N/A |
| Gin | 153 | N/A |
| Vodka | 957 | N/A |
| Rum | 221 | N/A |
| Tequila | 238 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 486 | N/A |
| Cocktails | 130 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Alabama Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
See below for the wine trends in Alabama by volume sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 876 |
| Wine Coolers | Unknown |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 30.2 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 21.5 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 2 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Alabama Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
See below for the Beer trends in Alabama by volume sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 4.1 | 132.5 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 5.7 | 183.4 |
| Super & Super Premium | 5.4 | 173.5 |
| Light | 20.6 | 664.6 |
| Popular | 2.2 | 70.0 |
| Imported | 2.1 | 67.5 |
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Alabama
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Smirnoff
- Jose Cuervo
- Jim Beam Family
- New Amsterdam Vodka
- Bacardi
- Crown Royal
- Jack Daniel’s
- Captain Morgan (excludes Parrot Bay)
- Patron
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Alabama
- Coming Soon!
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Alabama
- Coming Soon!
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Alabama
Every state throughout the United States, even Alabama, is subject to the same three-tier system. What does this mean exactly? Well, all aspects related to the sale of alcohol must take place within the three-tier system. This means that all suppliers and product manufacturers must sell to a company in the “middle tier.” There is no exception to this rule. For those unfamiliar, the “middle tier” refers to wholesalers and/or importers. Manufacturers and suppliers sell to wholesalers and importers. The wholesaler and/or importer then markets and sells the product to on-premise retailers as well as off-premise retailers. You can learn more about it by clicking the link below.
Do you need more information about the distributors located in Alabama? Interested in building your brand? If so, then the information below will help you. Below you will find a list of many of the top distributors operating within the state. Additionally, if you are interested in getting more information related to the distribution of beer, wine, or distilled spirits in Alabama, then connect with us.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
More Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
More Coming Soon
More Distributors in Alabama (A-Z)
Full Alabama List Coming Soon!
Click here for a complete list of alcoholic beverage distributors.
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
Finding distribution partners to work with today can be tough. If you’re trying to build your brand, then you know how crucial distribution is today. It’s competitive as thousands of beverage brands exist today and consolidation within the market doesn’t help. If you’re looking for more reach within the marketplace, then you might have another option. One of the options available today for emerging brands is to use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model.
The self-pitch distribution model is quite similar to the three-tier distribution model where a product is delivered to a retailer, but the key difference is that the sales and marketing aspect of the process is all handled solely by the supplier. Please be sure to watch the video located below to learn more about this distribution model.
Selling Alcohol In Alabama
The selling of alcohol in Alabama is controlled by the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board and they’ve been in control regulating things since 1937. They regulate distribution, sales, and licensing that happens within the state.
If you’re looking to sell alcohol in the state of Alabama, then you need to understand the many laws and regulations related to such activities. Every producer, supplier, wholesaler, retailer, and the consumer should understand the rules and regulations. For that reason, you’ll find many answers to the frequently asked questions related to the sale of alcohol today. In the event that you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the Park Street Team for answers. Click here to reach out to us via email.
We are continuously adding and updating answers to the questions below. Please check back frequently for more information.
FAQs on Alabama Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Alabama?
In Alabama, all the liquor stores run by the State are closed. As for grocery stores and liquor stores, you can sell alcohol Sunday to Saturday between the hours of 6 AM and 2 AM. Counties and cities set their own hours for selling alcohol.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol in Alabama?
The hours vary depending on the type of store. State liquor stores can sell Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM. Grocery stores and liquor stores are able to sell between Sunday and Saturday from 6 AM to 2 AM.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Alabama?
Yes, they start selling alcohol at Walmart in AL as early as 6 AM. Target is able to sell table wine, providing the alcohol content is less than 14% and beer can be sold providing it’s less than 6%. That said, alcohol may not be sold or served after 2 AM.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Alabama?
Yes, they do, but they do not sell anywhere after 2 AM.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in AL?
Yes, in Alabama, they do sell beer in gas stations. However, they only sell beer during the hours permitted and providing that it meets alcohol content restrictions.
What is the Alabama alcohol excise tax?
Wine
Table Wine
≤ 16.5%
$.38 per liter
Table Wine
>16.5%
$2.42 per iter”
Beer/Malt Liquor
$0.53 per gallon
$0.52 per gallon
Liquor
In Alabama, the government controls the sales of distilled spirits, of which, the revenue is generated from taxes, fees, and more.
Buying Alcohol In Alabama – Hours, Locations & Taxes
If you’re a consumer looking for information on when and where you can buy alcohol in Alabama, the answer is provided below. Learn all the most frequently asked questions related to buying beer, wine, and spirits in the state of Alabama.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Alabama
What is the alcohol tax in Alabama?
A sales tax rate of 4% applies to all alcohol purchases made in the state of Alabama.
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in AL?
Yes, you can buy alcohol in grocery stores in Alabama, providing its table wine that contains less than 14% alcohol and/or beer containing less than 6% alcohol. It must be purchased before 2 AM.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in AL?
Gas stations are allowed to sell alcohol providing it’s between designated hours.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Alabama?
Yes, if the county is a county that’s made the purchasing of alcohol legal on a Sunday. The restrictions widely from county to county.
Does Alabama allow the delivery of alcohol?
SBC126 now allows the delivery of alcohol to consumer homes provided the business is licensed.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Alabama?
You can purchase alcohol at the state liquor stores Mon through Sat 9 AM and 9 PM. Grocery stores and liquor stores sell between 6 AM and 2 AM. You can buy at on-premise locations until 2 AM. In Alabama, you cannot purchase alcohol in many counties which are considered dry counties.
(Data Sources – alabcboard.gov, wikipedia.org)
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