Permit Beer

It’s October 1, 2009…the NCABC is now able to issue retail and special event permits. Enjoy, all!

Many thanks to the North Carolina Retail Merchant Association (NCRMA) for taking the lead in talking with legislators on the beer permitting opportunity. Thanks to their support — and calls of support from North Carolina craft breweries — House Bill 1595 has been ratified and signed by the governor.

Our understanding is that both permits will be available by October 1. Please contact the NCABC directly for more information.

Again, thank you to all who helped pass this bill.

We have a bill! House Bill 1595 is filed and will first go to the House ABC committee. If it’s favorable, the bill will move to House Finance.

Because it’s a revenue-generating bill (from the permits), it is not subject to the crossover deadline.

No action needed from the NC breweries just yet — but soon I’ll be asking you to contact your legislators to support the measure.

Here’s a one-page overview of the Brewery Special Event Permit. The intended audience is North Carolina legislators who don’t know much about the Special Event Permit…or don’t know much about North Carolina speciality beer.

The permit is a political non-issue. Everyone we’ve talked to supports the permit or is neutral on the matter. It would be great to avoid turning this economic opportunity into political leverage. All North Carolina breweries want is the same rights as North Carolina wineries. Let’s keep it simple.

One-page PDF

North Carolina wineries can sell wines by the glass at balloon races and festivals. The General Statutes mention ‘balloon races’ specifically, likely because of the highly successful Carolina BalloonFest.

The Carolina BalloonFest is a three-day festival; event organizers schedule a North Carolina wine tasting for two of these days. (The Friday afternoon opening session does not have a wine tasting.)

We completely support the Carolina BalloonFest and the North Carolina wineries in this effort. By supporting local wineries, the Carolina BallonFest helps boost the state’s wine industry, and generates additional in-state spending through the sale of glasses of wine and take-home bottles of wine. It’s a great showpiece for why the Special Event Permit works. 

Honestly, breweries probably aren’t going to start popping up at any balloon races any time soon. The Carolina BalloonFest is a wine event. But it is a great example of the Special Event Permit in action, one that showcases North Carolina wines in a highly successful, family-oriented event. 

North Carolina breweries simply seek the economic and promotional opportunity to showcase craft beer in similiar venues.