Fairhope Approves Consumable Hemp License for Piggy Wiggly
By: Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
August 27, 2026
FAIRHOPE, Ala. Some in Fairhope are shocked while others say it’s just another example of how things are changing in the once conservative area of South Alabama.
An application submitted by Piggly Wiggly to sell consumer hemp products was approved by a 4-1 vote this week, though some residents are questioning the license.
Kammie Robertson said on social media “what’s next weed by the pound?”
State law requires consumable hemp products, such as drinks, to be regulated by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board and to be sold only by licensed retailers. Businesses must gain local approval before applying with the ABC Board.
Fairhope passed an application process in March similar to alcohol license requirements.
This is the fourth license approved by the Fairhope City Council.
Approved applications include two package stores and Greer’s Fairhope Market.
Approved retailers must only sell the products to people 21 and over
Joshua Gammon who has voted against each hemp license application, asked police chief Stephanie Hollinghead if the products were currently available in stores. Hollinghead said she has not yet seen the products on shelves. He said it’s disappointing and the rules seem loose.
Gammon said he is concerned about negative effects on minors, traffic laws and a possible increase in emergency room visits. He said his constituents are not in favor of consumable hemp products.
“No one that I talk to is saying that we need an additional intoxicating agent legally available to anybody to use,” Gammon added. “There are not the same open liquor laws that will apply to these beverages. So, you can’t walk around town with an open bottle of liquor, but currently, my understanding is that the same rules do not apply to this because it’s not alcohol.”
Other municipalities, including Daphne and Mobile, have passed similar application processes to align with state law.
Enforcement, inspections and investigations are under the domain of the Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
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