Channel 48 reports that Florence has passed a law to allow a restaurant to sell wine by the glass, rather than having to sell only full bottles. this is incorrect. Restaurants have been able to sell by the glass, or by the bottle. the law was changed to allow Sweet Basil to sell wine by the glass on premises as well as bottles for off premises consumption. As far as I know, that is the only restaurant in town selling wine bottles for off premises, but not licensed for on premises. Anyone know of another restaurant having bottles for sale to carry out?

Here's hoping my response has some clarity!

Sales for off premises consumption is considered on par with grocery stores, etc.

Sales for on premises consumption would be for restaurants almost exclusively.

By the glass or by the bottle is typically how wine is sold in restaurants.

By the shot, is how liquor/spirits is sold.

By the bottle/glass is how beer is sold.

Many of the liquor laws in Alabama are archaic, insofar as they seek to appease the religious fanatic crowd (whom believe that Jesus drank grape juice and His first miracle was making grape juice, not wine, at a huge wedding party), and contrast those whom would consume/imbibe responsibly.

For example, no sales with in 'X' number of feet of a church of school.

Okay, I agree with that. But why not tobacco? I mean, let's get real here, okay?

But then, why isn't liquor sold in grocery stores in AL? It is out west!

Here's a personal story.

During a dinner at a Huntsville restaurant, I brought in my own bottle of wine, because I was 99.9% certain they would not have it available. I was right. I fully expected to pay a "corking fee," but was informed by the manager that my bringing the bottle in to consume on premises was a violation of AL law.

I politely queried him, and although he was not able to cite chapter and verse of the law, he did claim that the issue had previously emerged, into which he inquired with the ABC Board. I politely complied with his request to not uncork the bottle, and he provided us complimentary glasses of wine with our meal.

On the ABC thing... I once carried my Nikon camera into a store in Athens one evening, not intending to photograph, but to purchase a bottle, and at the check out, was informed by the clerk that merely having a camera in an ABC store was a violation of some sort, and further, that photography was banned inside them.

Of course, I was amazed, and politely inquired, after making my purchase, and later left the premises.

When folks make such claim, my thoughts (not words) are "show me where it's written." But I don't like making trouble (or as the cops call it "disturbing the peace.")

Archaic?

You betcha'!

Will I comply?

You betcha'! (Who wants to argue with a badge, the power of arrest, and a .44 cal automatic?)

Not me!

I got more (and better) fish to fry elsewhere!

My only question is whether this is fair to Darby Drive Package Store, across the street from Sweet Basil. Will it require two licenses to sell for on premises consumption and off premises consumption? Could Darby Drive sell a sample glass to a customer? I think this was suggested as the plan for Sweet Basil. (A perfectly fine restaurant for lunch, by the way.)
And what is a specialty restaurant? Pizza store? Chinese food? What is not a specialty restaurant?

I've bought it over the past year or so by the glass at Olive Garden, Logan's and Red Lobster. I know I have been asked if I wanted to buy a bottle at Olive Garden. That might have been their mistake but they did do it.

Olive garden asked if you wanted to buy a bottle, but it was for consumption on site. They would uncork it and bring it to you. Not for you to take home. That is legal.

I was wondering if this law was made for the benefit of a single merchant. Of course, you can buy wine by the glass or by the bottle at restaurants in Florence, but you will not be allowed to purchase a bottle to take with you, except at one place.
I don't think many states allow on premises sales and off premises sales at the same place, so I am surprised to see Florence leading the way.

quote:

Originally posted by Number 6:
I've bought it over the past year or so by the glass at Olive Garden, Logan's and Red Lobster. I know I have been asked if I wanted to buy a bottle at Olive Garden. That might have been their mistake but they did do it.