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SB 527

ABC Omnibus 2023-24.

2023-2024 Session Introduced by Bobby Hanig and 2 co-sponsors

NC SB 527 modernizes alcohol laws: allows premixed cocktails, expands to-go/delivery for mixed drinks and wine, loosens local store hours, and raises ad/display limits.

Signed by Gov. 7/8/2024
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Bill Summary · SB 527

SB 527 — “ABC Omnibus 2023‑24” — Summary

Status: Enacted as Session Law 2024‑41 (ratified by the General Assembly and signed into law)
Subject: Various changes to the State’s alcoholic beverage (ABC) laws

Purpose

SB 527 is an omnibus bill that makes multiple, targeted revisions to North Carolina’s alcoholic beverage control statutes. The changes are intended to (1) update definitions and tax/treatment of certain packaged cocktails, (2) modernize sampling and promotional rules, (3) expand local flexibility for ABC store hours and holiday operations, and (4) relax limits on point‑of‑sale advertising and promotional equipment. Several provisions also address on‑premises sales and to‑go/delivery rules for mixed beverages and wine.

Key provisions (high level)

  • Premixed / ready‑to‑drink cocktails

    • Defines “premixed cocktail” (single‑serve closed container ≤24 fl oz; ABV 0.5%–13%).
    • Excludes premixed cocktails sold in closed single‑serve packages from the mixed‑beverage charge and mixed‑beverages tax stamp when sold to mixed‑beverage permittees for resale from the closed package.

  • Sampling authority

    • Permits members and employees of the ABC Commission, and members of local ABC boards and ABC store general/store managers, to consume product samples (limited to 0.25 oz per product) of spirituous liquor under consideration for approval. Sampling must be free of charge and, for local boards, not in publicly accessible areas of ABC stores.

  • Local ABC store hours and holiday flexibility

    • Gives local ABC boards increased discretion over store open days and hours. Clarifies that local boards may determine days their stores are closed.
    • Provides mechanisms for counties, cities, and certain tribal ABC commissions (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Catawba Indian Nation) to adopt ordinances permitting Sunday operations where authorized, with notification requirements to the Commission.

  • Advertising, displays, and promotional equipment

    • Raises allowable value caps for certain advertising specialty items and product displays:
    • Beer/wine wholesalers may provide non‑customized retailer advertising items/product displays up to $600 per brand per year.
    • Suppliers, brokers, nonresident vendors, or distilleries may provide these items to local boards up to $1,000 per brand per year.
    • Clarifies treatment of branded plug‑in coolers and establishes per‑brand value limits (statutory language sets $1,500 per brand in some drafts).

  • To‑go and delivery sales

    • Expands authority in statute (as amended) to allow certain to‑go and delivery sales of mixed beverages and wine by the glass (provisions in the enacted bill update applicable permit rights and conditions).

Who is affected

  • ABC Commission staff and members, local ABC boards, ABC store managers and general managers (sampling, store operations rules).
  • Retail permittees, on‑premises establishments, mixed‑beverage permit holders, wholesalers, suppliers, distillers and brokers (tax/treatment, advertising limits, to‑go sales).
  • Counties, municipalities, and eligible tribal ABC commissions (local opt‑ins for Sunday operations).
  • Consumers (access to premixed cocktails, expanded sampling/tasting events with certain limits, potential to‑go/delivery availability).

Implementation and timing

  • The bill passed both chambers and was enacted as Session Law 2024‑41. Some sections in various committee or draft versions specify differing effective dates (some immediate, some later). Stakeholders should consult the final Session Law text and official codified statutes for exact effective dates and the precise statutory language governing limits, reporting, and compliance.

For more detailed, provision‑level language (tax stamp mechanics, precise dollar limits, and permit conditions), consult the enacted Session Law 2024‑41 and the updated G.S. Chapter 18B text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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