Alabama House Bill HB395

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/26
• Refer: 2/5/26
• Report Pass: 3/11/26

Caption

Liquor; mark up fee charged by Alcoholic Beverage Control Board further provided for

Impact

The proposed amendment is expected to impact the way the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board calculates its fees on liquor sales. By narrowing the definition of 'cost of merchandise,' the bill could potentially change how markup rates are applied in practice, which may affect pricing strategies for wholesalers and consumers alike. Moreover, it includes technical revisions meant to update the existing language in the Code of Alabama, which may help in enhancing clarity and compliance within the industry.

Summary

House Bill 395, introduced by Representative Whitt, proposes an amendment to the mark up fee charged by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board on wholesale case lot sales of liquor. Under the current guidelines, this fee can be no more than 16.99% of the 'cost of merchandise plus freight costs.' The bill aims to clarify that the term 'cost of merchandise' specifically refers to the amount the Board pays for case lots of liquor, thus providing greater specificity in the regulation of liquor pricing in the state.

Contention

Though the initial text does not suggest substantial opposition, issues surrounding pricing regulations and taxation of liquor often evoke discussions on market fairness, consumer impact, and state revenue. As the bill progresses, stakeholders, including wholesalers, retailers, and consumer advocacy groups, may express their viewpoints, especially concerning how the revision might affect pricing structures and profit margins within the liquor industry.