15 state stores closing, too

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 2, 2015

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First, it was state parks, driver’s license offices, and National Guard armories.

Now, the state has announced it will close or consolidate 15 state-owned ABC stores that collectively generated more than $11 million in annual sales over the next three to six months.

Last month, state lawmakers transferred more than $5.5 million from the ABC Board budget for the use of other operations funded by the General Fund Budget.

The cuts were made on the last night of the second special session.

“Once the budget was adopted we began the process of identifying ways the board could reduce costs, streamline operations, protect our employees and not harm our customers,” Gipson said. “We are going to make every effort to transfer affected employees to other, nearby stores.

After this plan is implemented, the state will operate 160 stores.

Stores in Montgomery (3), Dothan, Abbeville, York, Marion, Pike Road, Luverne, Spanish Fort, Hayneville, Linden, Orange Beach, Guntersville and Florence will be closed.