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Here’s what to know about HB 921
North Carolina has long had some of the country’s most restrictive alcohol laws—but a new bill moving through the General Assembly could signal a shift toward looser booze restrictions.
The ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill (HB 921) recently advanced through committee review, though not without plenty of debate and amendments tacked on. If passed, the most prominent—and highly anticipated—change would allow grocery and convenience stores to sell canned cocktails. Read: No more liquor store trips to secure High Noons or Cutwaters.
To boot, mixed-beverage permit holders (aka restaurants and bars) could sell “to-go” cocktails in approved containers. The bill also proposes expanded tasting opportunities at ABC stores and distilleries; tax credits for distillers, breweries and wineries; and adjustments to rules surrounding drink specials and happy hours.
One of the most controversial sections of the bill—the allowance of Sunday liquor store sales—didn’t survive committee and was ultimately removed from the bill before it could advance due to pushback from more conservative NC representatives.
Meanwhile, supporters argue the legislation would help NC’s F&B industry remain competitive with neighboring states while updating outdated regulations. Virginia has more flexible ABC operations overall, including broader tasting opportunities and state-run liquor stores that operate on Sundays in many locations. Tennessee significantly loosened alcohol laws over the last decade, including adding Sunday liquor sales and expanding retail alcohol access.
HB 921 would allow NC to catch up to its Southern counterparts—and mark one of the most notable overhauls to alcohol laws in recent years.
Democratic representative Laura Budd, a sponsor of the bill, says a policy update is long overdue. “Modification of NC’s alcohol laws will net a positive impact on our state’s economy, from small businesses like restaurants to larger companies in manufacturing and retail establishments,” she emphasizes.
Republican representative Celeste C. Cairns, a primary sponsor, notes the legislation is still a work in process, and has at least two more stops before reaching the House floor.
“ABC issues affect a broad group of interested parties across our state, so it is inevitable that aspects of the bill will bring strong reactions from the public—some of support and some of consternation,” says Cairns.
For now, North Carolina’s famously strict liquor laws remain largely intact—but lawmakers appear increasingly willing to reconsider how alcohol sales and hospitality operate statewide. We’ll drink to that.
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