FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
February 23, 2016
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
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ATTORNEY GENERAL STATEMENT ON ENFORCEABILITY OF BIRMINGHAM
MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange issued the following statement
concerning the enforceability of the City of Birmingham’s city-wide minimum wage
ordinance.
“My office has been contacted by local businesses and officials concerned about the
impact of the City of Birmingham’s ordinance establishing a city-wide minimum wage
of $10.10 per hour, which purports to be effective on February 24. The ordinance could
impose fines and penalties on local businesses who do not comply. Because this
ordinance does not provide a reasonable time for employers to prepare to comply with
the new minimum wage, it could greatly disrupt the Birmingham economy.
“I am issuing this statement to prevent that disruption and to assure Birmingham
businesses that, despite the terms of the ordinance, they will have a reasonable time to
prepare to comply. Under Alabama law, the ordinance cannot take effect immediately.
The City of Birmingham cannot impose an unreasonable restriction on the conduct of
business by mandating an immediate increase in the minimum wage without providing
a reasonable period of time to comply.
“The Alabama Legislature is currently addressing this issue and I expect it will be
resolved shortly without adversely affecting the citizens of Birmingham.”
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
