The Alabama Brewers Guild is calling on state lawmakers to enact several changes to laws to stave off “financial ruin” for the state’s brewers, distilleries, local restaurants and retailers due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dan Roberts, executive director of the guild, said the state’s on-premise retail and beverage alcohol industries need additional help to stem the economic consequences of the state’s large-scale economic shutdown.

Earlier this week, bars and restaurants around Alabama began serving as “drive up” liquor stores thanks to a new order approved by the ABC board, which now permits businesses in the state with liquor licenses to sell alcoholic beverages for curbside pick up.

In a letter to Gov. Kay Ivey, Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, Commissioner of Revenue Vernon Barnett and ABC Board Administrator Mac Gipson, Roberts asked that the state:

*Remove restrictions to the ABC Board’s emergency rule allowing curbside sales of on- and off-premise alcohol licenses. Specifically, Roberts said the restrictions to one bottle of liquor, one bottle of wine or one six pack of beer per customer, and the restriction against selling re-packaged draft beer, or “growlers.” Roberts said large retailers such as Walmart can do curbside service without restrictions.

*Suspend or defer state excise taxes on beer, wine and liquor for 90 days.

This would allow businesses to maintain cash flow to continue operating and provide employees with pay and benefits. Roberts said craft brewers pay about $20,000 a month in beer excise taxes on sales from tasting rooms - money that could be used to keep employees.

*Expand the order deferring sales taxes to at small business, local food establishments.

Roberts said these businesses, known as Priority Category 3 food establishments, could use the cash from this short term relief.

*Allow ABC on- and off-premise licensees to deliver beer and wine to customers.

This would allow people to remain in their homes, and allow businesses to transition to a takeout business model. Roberts said Mississippi and Maryland have already issued similar declarations.

“The on-premise retail and beverage alcohol industries need your help,” Roberts wrote, “and I deeply appreciate all that the Administration is doing to help shore up the state’s economy during this global pandemic.”