Alabama Alcohol Delivery Rules, Open Container Laws, Time You Can Deliver, and Required Training
If you’re a delivery driver or business owner in Alabama, understanding the state’s alcohol delivery laws is essential for smooth operations. Alabama has some of the most specific alcohol delivery regulations in the country, combining strict licensing requirements with training mandates and open container laws that every driver needs to know.
Oct 9
Whether you deliver for a restaurant, a licensed retailer, or a local service, you must follow the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board’s rules. Delivering to a minor, failing to check IDs, or having an open container in your vehicle can lead to serious penalties, including fines or loss of license.
To help delivery professionals and employers operate safely and responsibly, the Certification Experts offers the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification. While this course is not yet state-approved in Alabama, it provides essential skills in responsible delivery, ID verification, and compliance that benefit any driver handling alcohol.
Let’s break down everything delivery drivers in Alabama need to know—from what’s legal, to delivery time limits, to required training.
Is Alcohol Delivery Legal in Alabama?
Yes—but only under strict licensing rules.
Alabama law allows alcohol delivery directly to consumers, but only by ABC Board-licensed businesses and their approved delivery drivers. This authority comes from Alabama Code § 28-1-4 and the ABC Board’s delivery service regulations (Chapter 20-X-6).
Here’s what that means in practice:
- Only licensed retailers, restaurants, or delivery service licensees can deliver alcohol to customers’ homes.
- Deliveries must involve beer, wine, or spirits purchased from the licensed business.
- The delivery must be performed by an employee or contracted driver authorized by the licensee.
- Alcohol delivery is prohibited in “dry” counties or municipalities unless local ordinances specifically allow it.
- Deliveries can only occur during the retailer’s legal business hours—typically between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.
If a driver or business operates without a valid license or outside these parameters, both can face severe penalties from the ABC Board.
Who Can Deliver Alcohol in Alabama?
To legally deliver alcohol in Alabama, the individual driver must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a valid driver’s license.
- Be employed by or contracted through an ABC-licensed delivery service or retail permit holder.
- Have completed state-approved alcohol delivery training before making any deliveries.
- Pass any required background checks (drivers with certain convictions are disqualified).
Licensed delivery services are responsible for ensuring every driver they hire is trained, certified, and compliant with ABC Board rules.
Key Compliance Obligations for Drivers
- Verify the customer’s age (21 +) using valid government-issued ID.
- Obtain a signature upon delivery.
- Refuse delivery to intoxicated individuals or anyone who cannot produce valid ID.
- Keep all beverages sealed during transport and stored in accordance with open container laws.
- Deliver directly to the customer—no unattended or “leave-at-door” deliveries are permitted.
Alabama Alcohol Delivery Rules and Requirements
Under ABC Board Chapter 20-X-6 regulations, alcohol delivery in Alabama must follow specific procedures designed to maintain control, accountability, and safety.
Licensing and Legal Requirements
- Delivery Service License: Businesses must apply for an Alcohol Delivery Service License through the Alabama ABC Board.
- Control of Product: Alcohol must remain under the licensee’s control until handed directly to the verified customer.
- Prohibited Locations: Deliveries cannot be made to schools, college dorms, government property, or any “dry” jurisdiction.
- Verification Protocol: Drivers must confirm both age and sobriety of recipients before completing the hand-off.
- Recordkeeping: Businesses must retain proof of delivery (ID scan and signature) for two years.
Product Handling
- All alcohol must be in its original manufacturer’s sealed container.
- No tampering or repackaging of bottles or cans is permitted.
- Drivers must not deliver any open or partially consumed beverages.
Payment
Payment must be completed before removing alcohol from the retailer’s premises. Cash-on-delivery transactions are not allowed, as they increase risk of underage or fraudulent sales.
Alabama Open Container Laws
Alabama’s open container law is clear and strictly enforced.
Under Alabama Code § 32-5A-330, it is illegal for the driver or passengers to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on public highways or right-of-way.
An “open container” means any alcoholic beverage:
- That has been opened,
- Has a broken seal, or
- Has had any contents removed or partially consumed.
Legal Storage During Delivery
- Alcohol must be kept in a locked trunk or an area behind the last upright seat if no trunk exists.
- It cannot be accessible to the driver or passengers while the vehicle is in motion.
- All alcohol delivered must remain unopened and sealed in transport packaging until handed to the customer.
Violating Alabama’s open container laws is a Class C misdemeanor and can result in fines and points on your driver’s license.
For delivery drivers, a single violation can also jeopardize your employer’s ABC license.
When Can You Deliver Alcohol in Alabama?
There are no separate statewide “delivery hours,” but deliveries must align with the licensed retailer’s legal operating hours.
Typically:
- Alcohol may be sold or delivered between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Deliveries outside these hours violate ABC regulations.
- No deliveries may occur after the retailer closes or during prohibited days/times under local ordinances.
Counties and cities may impose stricter limits. For example:
- Some municipalities prohibit alcohol delivery on Sundays.
- Certain dry counties restrict alcohol transport entirely.
Drivers must know their local laws before completing a route. The safest approach? Only deliver during the business’s normal operating hours listed on its ABC license.
Required Training for Alabama Alcohol Delivery Drivers
Unlike many states where training is voluntary, Alabama requires all alcohol delivery drivers to complete state-approved training under the ABC Board’s rules.
Mandatory Training Requirements
Training must be completed before employment and renewed every two years.
Courses must be approved by the Alabama ABC Board and cover:
- How to verify legal drinking age.
- Recognizing intoxication and refusing delivery.
- Proper delivery documentation.
- Safe storage and transport practices.
- Open container laws and delivery restrictions.
- Liability and compliance under Alabama statutes.
Employers must maintain training records and present them to the ABC Board upon request.
Drivers who fail to complete or renew training cannot legally deliver alcohol in Alabama.
Why Alcohol Delivery Training Still Matters
Even though the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification from Certification Experts is not Alabama ABC Board-approved, it remains a powerful resource for delivery professionals who want to:
- Build a strong foundation in responsible delivery and ID verification.
- Prepare for or complement state-approved training.
- Strengthen their professional credibility with employers and customers.
- Reduce liability risks and avoid costly mistakes.
Employers who operate across multiple states benefit from standardizing their delivery protocols through national-level training, ensuring consistent professionalism regardless of location.
For on-premise roles such as bartenders, managers, and sellers, Certification Experts also offers the Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training. While not state-approved, this course covers responsible serving practices that can enhance workplace safety and compliance.
Best Practices for Alcohol Delivery Drivers in Alabama
Whether you’re new to alcohol delivery or already employed by an ABC-licensed business, following best practices ensures compliance and professionalism.
Key Steps to Safe, Legal Delivery
- Verify the customer’s age with a valid, government-issued photo ID.
- Check for signs of intoxication—if present, politely refuse the delivery.
- Transport only sealed containers and store them out of reach.
- Deliver directly to the recipient and never leave alcohol unattended.
- Keep documentation for each delivery (ID verification and signatures).
- Stay within legal delivery hours and local jurisdiction limits.
- Keep your certification current and follow all ABC Board guidelines.
Following these practices helps protect both you and your employer from violations and ensures a safe experience for customers.
Get Your Training and Deliver Safely in Alabama
Alabama’s alcohol delivery laws are designed to ensure responsibility and accountability—from proper licensing to driver conduct on the road. Whether you’re working directly for a restaurant, a retailer, or a delivery platform approved by the Alabama ABC Board, knowing the rules about sealed containers, delivery hours, and training is crucial.
To stay ahead in this growing industry, consider completing the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification from Certification Experts. It’s a nationally recognized program that helps drivers build confidence, professionalism, and compliance awareness—skills every employer values.
And for on-premise staff like bartenders, sellers, and managers, the Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training offers essential insights into responsible alcohol service.
By understanding Alabama’s alcohol delivery rules and investing in proper training, delivery drivers can ensure every order is legal, safe, and professional—protecting themselves, their employers, and the customers they serve.
Get Certified for Alcohol Training in Alabama
The Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training Course was designed specifically for bartenders, alcohol servers, sellers, and business owners. Whether you're opening a bar or serving your first shift, our flexible and affordable online training helps you stay compliant with Alabama ABC laws.
Start Your Alabama Training Today
Start Your Alabama Training Today
See more topics related to certifications in Alabama:
- What is the Responsible Vendor Program (RVP) Training in Alabama
- Understanding ABC License in Alabama and the Requirements for Bartending and Serving Alcohol
- How to Become a Bartender in Alabama
- Alabama Bartender License and Alcohol Server Certification
- How Old Do You Have to be to be a Bartender in Alabama
- How to Get a Liquor License in Alabama
Ready to enhance your skills and earn your certification? Explore Certification Experts’ offerings today and take the next step in your hospitality career.