Sheffield seeks bill to allow draft beer sales

SHEFFIELD -- City council members Monday approved a resolution seeking legislative approval for the sale of draft beer.

The bill would be separate from one the city wants introduced that would allow Sheffield residents to vote on Sunday alcohol sales.

Mayor Billy Don Anderson said the draft beer bill would be similar to one that is expected to be introduced on behalf of the city of Florence.

"It would be economically advantageous for us to have that," Anderson said.

Florence's bill would allow the sale of draft beer by properly licensed establishments, such as restaurants and hotels, as well as the off-premise sale of keg beer to individuals.

The Sunday sales legislation, if approved, will allow alcohol sales on Sundays in hotels and restaurants but would not allow the sale of alcohol for off-premise consumption.

"The main thing here is protecting our hotels' ability to attract small conventions," Anderson said. "Those people need to be taken care of."

The resolution passed 5 to 1 with Councilman Gary Scales abstaining.

Anderson told the council during Monday's work session that the city's legislative delegation has expressed support for the introduction of its Sunday sales bill.

Both bills are expected to be introduced when the Legislature convenes March 6.

While the draft beer bill would become law once it is signed by the governor, the passage of the Sunday sales bill would allow the city to hold a referendum to allow residents to decide if they want Sunday alcohol sales.

Anderson said depending on when the bill is introduced and approved by the Legislature, the referendum could take place in June or July.

In other business, the council: