The senate is back in session tomorrow, though it's uncertain whether the filibuster over the special order calendar will continue. However, if it does continue a bit longer it may give us an even better chance. The bill presently before the senate is actually a different bill than the one that passed the house. They have identical wording, but one originated in the house and the other in the senate. Therefore, if the senate bill passes, it has to go back to the house to be voted on again. Alternatively, with the delays going on, it may be possible to substitute the house bill in for the senate one and short circuit the process.
Unfortunately, this is only the first of a number of changes needed to Alabama beer laws. This law (if it passes) would permit the sale of beers up to 13.9% ABV. We also have laws on the books that prevent us from buying or selling cans or bottles of beer larger than 16oz (though kegs are permissible). Home brewing is illegal in the state (though the law on that hasn't really been enforced in the last decade). Furthermore, brewpubs can only operate in historic buildings located in counties where beer was legally brewed prior to prohibition, and they have to be large enough to seat 80 people.
Alabama actually still has a number of dry counties, and several of the wet ones restrict sales of alcohol on Sundays. Despite all of that, it's really not that bad a place. Huntsville, in particular, has a very interesting mix. We have your basic southerners, the southern Fundamentalist Christians, the military transplants being relocated through BRAC, the German descendants (the US rocket program was based here immediately after WW2), and so forth. Unfortunately, the "native" southern crowd falls into 2 categories:
1) Those that can do whatever they want, just so long as they don't smoke, drink, or dance.
2) Those that can't imagine why anyone would need a beer other than Bud, Miller, or Coors.
Fortunately, our transplants from other areas are bringing in an appreciation for good beers. Although the state is quite conservative, I think the conservatism is developing a libertarian streak, which is great for those of us that like beer!