Bill > S552

This bill introduces several changes to North Carolina's alcohol laws, focusing on multiple aspects of alcohol regulation and permitting. The bill appropriates $309,568,563 to the Department of Administration for constructing a new automated warehouse and offices for the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission, with the ABC required to repay at least $20,670,000 annually starting July 1, 2029. A key provision establishes a new "service business permit" that allows certain service-based businesses to provide complimentary alcoholic beverages (up to two servings per customer per day) to customers in conjunction with their primary service. The bill also modifies open container laws for motor vehicles, clarifying that transportation of sealed alcoholic beverage containers is permissible if they are in the trunk or behind the last upright seat. Additionally, the bill makes technical corrections to various alcohol-related statutes, including provisions for county mixed beverage elections, brown bagging permits, and social district alcohol consumption. The changes aim to provide more flexibility for businesses and clarify existing alcohol regulations, with most provisions becoming effective on July 1, 2025, or other specified dates.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S552