upcoming law change for mixed beverage bars
Starting August 1, 2023, breweries, wineries, and distilleries will be eligible to apply for a mixed beverage bar permit for their retail locations physically connected to their brewery, winery, or distillery. This permit will allow a taproom to sell mixed beverages for consumption on-premises. This change to the definition of “bar” (removing the previous exception for breweries, wineries, and distilleries from the definition of “bar”) has been made a part of Senate Bill 91 (which is otherwise unrelated to alcohol laws), which was ratified and sent to Governor Cooper’s desk on July 3rd. We expect that Governor Cooper will sign Senate Bill 91 into law.
Note that a “mixed beverage bar” permit will remain unavailable to retailers in jurisdictions which have not made a mixed beverage election (“dry” cities/counties).
Allen Stahl + Kilbourne is well versed in all North Carolina ABC laws and policies and experienced in applying for all types of permits with the NC ABC.
Contact one of our attorneys if you have questions.
