Margarita with liquor.JPG

The ABC Board recently clarified a rule about pitcher sales.

Dean Argo

By Dean R. Argo, government relations manager, ABC Board

Unfortunately, the recent opinion piece by Cameron Smith critical of the ABC Board for enforcing a long-standing rule against serving pre-mixed alcoholic beverages in a pitcher was premature.

Over the last few months, licensees have requested that the agency take a fresh look at the Code Section that for years was interpreted to allow only beer to be served in pitchers. When Mr. Smith contacted us to inquire about the long-standing rule, he was informed that the rule may change. We wished he would have waiting for a final ruling.

Even though most of the recent interest shown by licensees focused on the serving of Margaritas, the Code speaks to beverages that are "customarily" served in pitchers. The menus of many restaurants and bars in Alabama already offer several beverages by pitcher. This updated interpretation should give licensees the flexibility they need to meet the needs of their customers, while maintaining the integrity of the original rule.

Alabama is recognized nationally by both regulators and those within the alcohol and restaurant industry for its well-designed system of checks and balances when it comes to alcohol. The ABC Board prides itself on being responsive to licensees' concerns, while promoting temperance and protecting the health and safety of the citizenry, as its mission requires.