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Session Laws 2022-44 , 2022-49, and 2022-51 were signed into law on July 7, 2022. Below are several changes that may affect your ABC permit. Please read carefully to determine if the new laws impact the type of ABC permit you currently hold. 

Private Bars are now Bars: N.C.G.S. 18B-1000 now defines "bar" as an establishment that is primarily engaged in the business of selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. A bar shall not include a brewery, winery, or distillery. The Retail ABC application has been updated to reflect this change.  Applicants applying for a Mixed Beverage Bar permit do not need to submit membership information with the application. 

Current Mixed Beverage Bar permittees may now allow customers from the general public. Additionally, new permits will not be sent out at this time. The Commission will update our permit system to reflect the legislative change. New permits will be mailed out following the 2023-2024 renewal/registration period. 

Please keep in mind that the membership changes do not apply to Private Clubs. Private Clubs were not affected by this legislation and are still limited to members and their guests. 

Restaurants: The minimum seating requirement for indoor dining has been reduced from 36 seats to 10 seats. Additionally, only on-premises sales of alcoholic beverages shall be used in calculating the 30% food sales requirement.

Tour Boats: There is no longer a minimum food sales percentage required.

Packaging and Logistics permit:  This new permit has been added to the ABC Commercial application. All other documents listed on the commercial application are still required.

Permittee Ownership Changes: N.C.G.S. 18B-903 authorizes a 60-day transition period when an ownership change occurs. Notice must be given to the Commission. Please complete the form found attached at the bottom of this page.

If you have any questions, please send an email to contact@abc.nc.gov.