Proposed Alabama Beer Rule Prompts Privacy Concerns

A new rule is being considered that would require brewers to collect the name, address, age and phone number from anyone who purchases beer at a brewery for off-premise consumption.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama's alcohol regulators want to know who is buying beer from one of the state's craft breweries and taking it home to drink.

The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is considering a new rule that would require brewers to collect the name, address, age and phone number from anyone who purchases beer at a brewery for off-premise consumption.

Industry groups are crying foul over the proposed regulation, which they say is an invasion of privacy. They also say it would be a logistical nightmare to collect the information.

The ABC hasn't explained why it wants personal information on beer purchasers. But it could be used to verify enforcement of a 288-ounce limit on the amount of brew anyone can purchase at one time.

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