(a) This section shall apply only to the City of Gadsden.
(b)(1) The voters of the City of Gadsden may authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for on and off premises consumption within the municipality seven days a week by an election pursuant to this section, in the following manner:
The governing body of the City of Gadsden, by resolution, shall call an election for the municipality to determine the sentiment of the voters of the municipality residing within the corporate limits, as to whether or not it may determine whether alcoholic beverages can be legally sold or distributed on Sunday for on-premises and off-premises consumption within the municipality.
(2) On the ballot to be used for such election, the question shall be in the following form: "Do you favor the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages for on and off premises consumption within the corporate limits of the City of Gadsden seven days a week? Yes ___ No ___."
(3) The first election shall be held at the municipal election in 2014 and any subsequent elections shall be held and the officers appointed to hold the election in the manner provided by law for holding other municipal elections, and the returns thereof tabulated and results certified as provided by law for municipal elections.
(4) Notice of the election shall be given by the governing body of the municipality by publication or by posting the notice at the town or city hall apprising the voters of the municipality, at least three weeks before the date of the election, that an election shall be held to determine whether alcoholic beverages may be sold seven days a week in the municipality. The cost of the election shall be paid out of the general fund of the municipality.
(5) Only qualified voters of the municipality may vote in the election. If a majority of the voters voting in the municipal election vote "Yes," alcoholic beverages may be legally sold or dispensed within the corporate limits of the municipality for on and off premises consumption seven days a week by licensees of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the City of Gadsden serving the general public in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The municipality may enact, by ordinance, such policies it deems appropriate to regulate any aspect of the sale of alcoholic beverages for seven days a week.
(6) If a majority of the voters voting in the municipal election vote "No," alcoholic beverages may not be sold or dispensed in the municipality seven days a week, except as otherwise authorized by law or by subsequent election which legalizes the sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages seven days a week.
(7) A period of not less than 360 days shall elapse between the dates of elections pursuant to this section.
(c) The provisions of this section are cumulative and supplemental to the present power and authority of the City of Gadsden and is not intended to, nor shall it be interpreted so as to, repeal any existing power or authority of the City of Gadsden now permitted under the general laws of the state, or under any local or special act of the Legislature.
Last modified: May 3, 2021