than 230,000 Alabama students , from middle schoolers to high school students . On average , about 165 schools request the program annually , in addition to running custom programs offered by the Alabama ABC . The program has continued to generate rave reviews and increase overall reach every year . National and statewide underage drinking stats are currently trending down , and the agency credits Under Age , Under Arrest with playing a part in reducing underage drinking .
PRODUCING FUNDING FOR THE STATE
In Alabama , spirits are currently taxed at a rate of 56 % for state taxes and 6 % sales taxes . State taxes generate funding for the state ’ s general fund , along with the Department of Human Resources , Department of Mental Health , and a variety of other state agencies and local governments .
During the 2023 fiscal year , total agency retail and wholesale Alabama ABC sales amounted to $ 739,499,983 ( a $ 37,688,383 increase from the previous year ). Of that amount , $ 88,865,540 funneled into the state ’ s general fund . These figures only encompass taxes derived from sales . They do not include profits , license fees , beer taxes and additional funds collected by the agency . ( Note : Sales data detailed in this article is unaudited as of mid-January 2024 .)
Stewart stressed that increasing funding is an ongoing priority as agency revenue continues to grow .
“ We provide a great deal of funding to the state , and much of it is directed to local law enforcement , mental health and human resources , etc .,” Stewart says . “ It ’ s important to provide funding as we look to contribute to the important work happening across the state .”
Stewart stressed that although the agency is looking at ways to grow revenue , it is also committed to ensuring that consumers have access to the products they want at a reasonable price . Unlike other states , Alabama does not mark up its limited release products , and is mindful of customer needs when thinking about how to expand its overall revenue .
The Alabama ABC warehouse currently has 190,000 square feet of space .
LOOKING AHEAD
The Alabama ABC has no shortage of priorities moving forward . In addition to a continued focus on products , education , compliance and funding , another one of the agency ’ s priorities is the launch a new online licensing portal . That is expected to go live within the next year .
The portal will largely replace the agency ’ s current paper system , greatly streamlining the licensing process . Information will be available online , and some required submissions will move to an online system as well . This will reduce the need for applicants to make a special trip to the local Alabama ABC office to receive forms .
In addition to enhancing customer service for licensees , the new portal is expected to significantly improve operational efficiencies at the agency .
In light of recent transformations , the new licensing portal and other upcoming changes will likely prove to be incredibly beneficial for the agency , positioning the Alabama ABC favorably for significant progress in the upcoming months and years . •
Melissa Sherwin is a freelance writer and marketing communications strategist from Chicago , IL . Her work has appeared in Chicago ’ s Daily Herald newspaper , Time Out Chicago , Suburban Life newspapers , and various magazines . She is also the author of several children ’ s books . Follow her @ MelissaNSherwin . www . stateways . com Spring 2024 • StateWays 13