Bill Summary for H 460 (2017-2018)

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Summary date: 

Mar 23 2017

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2017-2018 Session
House Bill 460 (Public) Filed Thursday, March 23, 2017
AN ACT TO AMEND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL PERMITS AND ALLOW RESTAURANTS TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BEFORE NOON ON SUNDAYS, SUBJECT TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROVAL.
Intro. by Bradford, Davis, Hardister, Duane Hall.

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Bill summary

Identical to S 155, filed 3/1/17.

Section 1

Amends GS 18B-1105(a), setting forth authorized acts by a holder of a distillery permit, to provide that a permitted distillery may sell spirituous liquor in closed containers at wholesale or retail for delivery outside the State, subject to the laws of other jurisdictions (previously, authorized to sell, deliver, and ship spirituous liquor in closed containers at wholesale or retail to private or public agencies or establishments of other states or nations subject to the laws of other jurisdictions). Increases the maximum amount of spirituous liquor a permitted selling distillery can sell to a consumer at a distillery within a 12-month period under the restrictions set out in subdivision (4) of subsection (a) from one to five bottles. Authorizes a permitted distillery to conduct consumer tastings in accordance with GS 18B-1114.7 (enacted by this act).

Amends GS 18B-804, setting forth a policy of uniform retail pricing for spirituous liquor sold in ABC stores and permitted distilleries, to establish that when a permitted distillery sells spirituous liquor for delivery outside the state pursuant to GS 18B-1105(a)(a2) (enacted above), the distiller sets the retail price for the liquor. 

Amends GS 18B-800, providing that spirituous liquor can only be sold in ABC stores operated by local boards, except as provided in Articles 10 and 11 of GS 18B (was, only Article 10; Article 11 is amended by this act).

Directs the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to adopt temporary rules to amend its rules consistent with Section 1 of this act. 

Effective July 1, 2017.

Section 2

Enacts GS 18B-1114.7 to authorize the holder of a distillery permit issued under GS 18B-1105 to obtain a spirituous liquor special event permit. Provides that the special event permit will allow the permitee to give free tastings of its spirituous liquor at ABC stores and various other public places including trade shows, conventions, shopping malls, street festivals and local fund-raisers as approved by the Commission. Sets out 13 limitations for consumer tastings, including limiting the total amount of tasting samples a consumer can consume to 1.5 ounces per day and prohibiting the permit holder from offering tastings samples to or allowing consumption of tasting samples by someone who is visibly intoxicated. Prohibits a permit holder conducting a consumer tasting at an ABC store from providing any consideration to the local board, its members, or its employees for any purpose related to the tasting. 

Amends GS 18B-301, concerning the lawful possession and consumption of fortified wine and spirituous liquor, to establish that is lawful to consume spirituous liquor at an ABC store if a consumer tasting is being conducted as authorized by GS 18B-1114.7. Makes conforming changes to the prohibitions set out in subsection (f) to allow any person to consume or offer to another person to consume liquor on the premises of an ABC store, upon property used or occupied by a local board, and on any public road, street, highway, or sidewalk where a consumer tasting authorized by GS 18B-1114.7 is being conducted.

Sets fees for an ABC permit application under GS 18B-902(d) to be $200 for a spirituous liquor special event permit and $750 for a special auction permit.

Section 3

Enacts GS 18B-1002.1 to allow a permit to be issued to an auction firm or auctioneer licensed by the North Carolina Auctioneers Commission (Commission) under GS Chapter 85B to allow the licensed auction firm or auctioneer to sell any quantity of malt beverages, unfortified and fortified wine, and spirituous liquors at auction. Allows an auction held under this statute to receive competing bids in person or by telephone, fax, or online. Limits the issuance of permits under this statute to jurisdictions that allow the sale of malt beverages, unfortified wine, or fortified wine, respectively, and jurisdictions that have approved the establishment of ABC stores. Provides an auction permit is only valid for the auction specified in the permit, and any sales under the permit are subject to the alcoholic beverage purchase amount restrictions of GS 18B-303. Clarifies that an applicant that is denied a permit or a permitee that has the permit revoked is not entitled to a hearing under GS Chapter 150B (APA).

Amends GS 18B-603 to allow the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Commission to issue special auction permits under GS 18B-1002.1 without approval at an election. Makes technical changes.

Effective October 1, 2017.

Section 4

Enacts GS 153A-145.7 and GS 160A-205.3 to allow a county or city to adopt an ordinance allowing licensed restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption beginning at 10:00AM on Sunday morning pursuant to the restaurant's on-premises malt beverage, unfortified wine or fortified wine permits, or mixed beverages permit. Makes conforming changes to GS 18B-1004, which sets out the hours for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.