BIRMINGHAM, AL — Let this day be known as the day fun won. The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) has decided to overturn its ban on serving margarita pitchers, a spokesman for the board told Patch on Thursday, after outrage swept the nation this week.

From this day forward, ABC spokesman Dean Argo said in an email, "Alcoholic beverages 'customarily' served by pitcher are now allowed. In other words, margaritas, piña coladas, and some other frozen drinks can be served because they are traditionally served by pitchers." However, Argo said, "other mixed cocktails traditionally served in single, high ball or shot glasses are still prohibited."



Here's his explanation as to why the board did an about-face on the pitcher ban this week: "Over the last year, many licensees have asked the agency to revisit the rule. As you know, practices, industry and technology change over time. While the agency legal and compliance minds have been discussing the possible change, our inspectors have continued to hold licensees to the code. After due consideration, the agency updated its interpretation and policy and determined that a strict interpretation is 180 degrees from current practice by many licensees." Patch has reached out to Taco Mama to inquire as to whether its former menu will be restored in full glory, now that the freedom to group-drink on the cheap is ringing throughout the land. We'll update this post if and when we hear back.

Original story, published July 12, below. Has the famously overbearing and fun-killing Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) finally gone too far?

A statute written into state law years ago that effectively bans all Alabama bars and restaurants from serving pitchers of margarita — or pitchers of anything, for that matter — has been revived in recent months, Patch has learned.

Want more local news from Alabama? You're in luck: You can now sign up for Patch's free email newsletters and breaking news alerts from the region.

Will Haver, founder and CEO of beloved local Mexican-food chain Taco Mama — especially beloved for its $18 to $22 pitchers, or $9 to $11 on Taco Tuesdays — said he was approached a few months ago by representatives for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. "They came in and told us we couldn't be serving pitchers," Haver said. "They were very gracious about it. It wasn't a bad conversation. But they said we could risk losing our liquor license — and in our business, that's our livelihood."