New Alabama Bill Could Penalize Restaurants for Failing to Label Seafood

Proposed legislation would require restaurants to disclose the origin of seafood served.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new bill introduced in the Alabama legislature would require restaurants across the state to disclose the origin of the seafood they serve. Failure to properly label the seafood could result in the loss of points from previous state health department sanitation scores. The bill is designed to encourage restaurants to use more Alabama-sourced seafood, though industry representatives say that may not always be possible due to seasonal availability.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation aims to provide more transparency for consumers about the source of the seafood they are eating at Alabama restaurants. It also seeks to support the state's domestic fishing industry, though restaurant operators say sourcing 100% local seafood is not always feasible.

The details

House Bill 444, sponsored by Representative Chip Brown, would require Alabama restaurants to disclose the origin of the seafood they serve. Failure to properly label the seafood could result in the loss of points from previous state health department sanitation scores. The president of Wharf Casual Seafood, Noah Griggs, supports the bill, saying it creates a 'level playing field.' However, Wharf's Director of Operation Services, Maurice Murphy, notes that the restaurant sometimes has to source seafood from outside of U.S. domestic waters when local fishermen are not fishing certain species.

  • House Bill 444 was introduced on February 12, 2026.
  • If enacted, the bill would go into effect on October 1, 2026.

The players

Chip Brown

Alabama state representative who sponsored House Bill 444.

Noah Griggs

President of Wharf Casual Seafood, a restaurant that supports the proposed seafood labeling legislation.

Maurice Murphy

Director of Operation Services for Wharf Casual Seafood, who notes that the restaurant sometimes has to source seafood from outside of U.S. domestic waters.

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What they’re saying

“I'll tell you what, we love about it, it's a level playing field.”

— Noah Griggs, President, Wharf Casual Seafood (WSFA)

“Our crab legs and our lobster is primarily from Canada or Nova Scotia.”

— Maurice Murphy, Director of Operation Services, Wharf Casual Seafood (WSFA)

What’s next

If enacted, House Bill 444 would go into effect on October 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Alabama aims to provide more transparency for consumers about the source of seafood served in restaurants, while also seeking to support the state's domestic fishing industry. However, restaurant operators note that sourcing 100% local seafood is not always feasible due to seasonal availability.