1. (1) Application for a permit.

   1. (a) An application for a permit shall be in a form prescribed by the Board. Each applicant shall sign and swear to the application.
   2. (b) Only one permit for one off-site tasting room shall be issued per license year.
   3. (c) Once issued a permit shall be valid for the balance of the license year unless surrendered, suspended or revoked.

2. (2) Requirements.

   1. (a) Those eligible to receive and hold a permit, are applicants who hold a valid manufacturer license or the winery association that represents a majority of the in-state wineries.
   2. (b) The permitted premises shall be regarded the same as a licensed premises.
   3. (c) Evidence of ownership or a lease for the real property where the applicant’s off-site tasting room will be located.
   4. (d) Any other information as may, at their discretion, be requested by the Board.

3. (3) Before issuing a permit the Board shall be satisfied that the applicant is a suitable person to hold an ABC permit and that the location is suitable for a tasting room. The location shall:

   1. (a) Have been awarded approval from the local governing body.
   2. (b) Meet all the requirements for on-premises licensees enumerated in Rule 20-X-6-.02.
   3. (c) The off-site tasting room shall be limited to only one building or one premises within one building.
4. (4) All permit holders shall maintain liquor liability insurance as prescribed by Rule 20-X-5-.14. Coverage shall specifically include the off-site tasting room location.

5. (5) In addition to all other requirements of law or rules and regulations of the ABC Board, all off-site tasting rooms shall comply with the following conditions:

   1. (a) No one under 21 years of age may dispense or serve alcohol.
   2. (b) All service for on-premises consumption shall be conducted by servers. No self-service permitted.
   3. (c) All sales and consumptions must take place inside the licensed premises.
   4. (d) Only products manufactured at the winery’s primary premises may be sold at the off-site tasting room.
   5. (e) Only products that have previously been approved for sale in the State may be sold or given away on the permitted premises.
   6. (f) Records from wine sales and tastings shall be maintained at the permitted premises for three years. A duplicate record shall be maintained at the primary winery premises.
6. (6) The winery association shall verify yearly that it represents a majority of the in-state wineries.
7. (7) The board may initiate, investigate and, if appropriate, disapprove and prohibit the continued tastings of any permitted site found to be operating in violation of the rules.

Author: ABC Board

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §28-3-49.

History: New Rule: Filed October 13, 2016; effective November 27, 2016. Amended: Published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.