Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has approved legislation allowing beer with higher alcohol content to be sold in restaurants, bars and some retail stores, the Associated Press reported May 22.

The legislation raises the legal alcohol limit on beer from 6 percent to 13.9 percent by volume, allowing previously banned specialty and imported beers to be sold in the state.

"We've been working this for over four years," said Stuart Carter, president of Free the Hops, a grassroots advocacy organization. "I'm shell-shocked from hearing the news."

Rev. Joe Godfrey, executive director of Alabama Citizen Action Project, said he was disappointed by Riley's approval of the bill. "It's further evidence our society is totally absorbed in alcohol consumption," he said.

Bill proponents defended the legislation, saying beer with higher alcohol content won't appeal to those drinking to get drunk since specialty beers are more expensive than more common brands.