HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Bars and restaurants across the city are feeling the impact of recent liquor‑supply disruptions caused by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board’s relocation of its distribution warehouse to Montgomery. The transition has interrupted regular shipments, leaving many businesses unable to secure the well‑known spirits they rely on for everyday cocktails.
Local operators describe the shortages
John Longo, general manager of Stella’s Elixir Lounge in downtown Huntsville, says the most difficult items to obtain are the basic liquors used in standard drinks. “Right now, some of the hardest things for us to obtain are what we call our well liquors or our standard liquors that we would pour in a standard cocktail,” Longo explained.
He added that the availability of these popular brands has become unpredictable. “We’re talking about our basic liquors … the liquors that are the most popular in your basic drinks. And we’ve kind of been on pins and needles about whether or not we can get these from week to week,” Longo said.
Impact on menus and prices
The supply problems are forcing establishments to improvise. At Stella’s, staff have resorted to substituting different brands when their usual selections are unavailable, but Longo cautions that such changes can affect the consistency of a craft cocktail. “You don’t want your recipes to vary. A craft cocktail is a recipe,” he noted.
Other local venues report similar challenges. Some have had to raise prices to cover the higher cost of acquiring alternative spirits, while others are temporarily removing certain drinks from their menus until reliable deliveries resume.
ABC Board’s response
The Alabama ABC Board acknowledges that the warehouse transition disrupted shipments. In a statement, the agency said restoring reliable deliveries is its immediate priority and that the new facility is intended to increase storage capacity and improve overall distribution efficiency.
Board spokesperson Emily Carter said, “We understand the frustration this has caused for our partners in the hospitality industry. Our team is working around the clock to resolve the bottlenecks and ensure that businesses receive the products they need on a consistent basis.”
What’s next for Huntsville’s hospitality scene?
While the ABC Board works to stabilize the supply chain, local owners are adapting. Longo emphasized that Stella’s will continue to adjust to what’s available while striving to provide customers with the drinks they expect.
“We’re staying flexible and communicating with our suppliers,” he said. “Our goal is to keep serving our community the way they’re used to, even if it takes a little extra effort right now.”
Customers are encouraged to be patient and understand that the current disruptions are temporary. As the new Montgomery warehouse reaches full operational capacity, industry insiders expect the flow of well liquors to return to normal in the coming weeks.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
