A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to make various revisions to the alcoholic beverage control laws of this State.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

part i. allow distilleries to sell malt beverages and unfortified and fortified wine
SECTION 1.(a)  G.S. 18B‑1001 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑1001.  Kinds of ABC permits; places eligible.
When the issuance of the permit is lawful in the jurisdiction in which the premises are located, the Commission may issue the following kinds of permits:
(1)	On‑Premises Malt Beverage Permit. – An on‑premises malt beverage permit authorizes (i) the retail sale of malt beverages for consumption on the premises, (ii) the retail sale of malt beverages in the manufacturer's original container for consumption off the premises, and (iii) the retail sale of malt beverages in a cleaned and sanitized container that is filled or refilled and sealed for consumption off the premises and that identifies the permittee and the date the container was filled or refilled. It also authorizes the holder of the permit to ship malt beverages in closed containers to individual purchasers inside and outside the State. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
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k.	The holder of a distillery permit authorized under G.S. 18B‑1105.
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(3)	On‑Premises Unfortified Wine Permit. – An on‑premises unfortified wine permit authorizes (i) the retail sale of unfortified wine for consumption on the premises, either alone or mixed with other beverages, (ii) the retail sale of unfortified wine in the manufacturer's original container for consumption off the premises, and (iii) the retail sale of unfortified wine dispensed from a tap connected to a pressurized container utilizing carbon dioxide or similar gas into a cleaned and sanitized container that is filled or refilled and sealed for consumption off the premises and that identifies the permittee and the date the container was filled or refilled. The permit also authorizes the permittee to transfer unfortified wine, not more than four times per calendar year, to another on‑premises unfortified wine permittee that is under common ownership or control as the transferor. Except as authorized by this subdivision, transfers of wine by on‑premises unfortified wine permittees, purchases of wine by a retail permittee from another retail permittee for the purpose of resale, and sale of wine by a retail permittee to another retail permittee for the purpose of resale are unlawful. In addition, a particular brand of wine may be transferred only if both the transferor and transferee are located within the territory designated between the winery and the wholesaler on file with the Commission. Prior to or contemporaneous with any such transfer, the transferor shall notify each wholesaler who distributes the transferred product of the transfer. The notice shall be in writing or verifiable electronic format and shall identify the transferor and transferee, the date of the transfer, quantity, and items transferred. The holder of the permit is authorized to ship unfortified wine in closed containers to individual purchasers inside and outside the State. Orders received by a winery by telephone, Internet, mail, facsimile, or other off‑premises means of communication shall be shipped pursuant to a wine shipper permit and not pursuant to this subdivision. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
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l.	The holder of a distillery permit authorized under G.S. 18B‑1105.
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(5)	On‑Premises Fortified Wine Permit. – An on‑premises fortified wine permit authorizes the retail sale of fortified wine for consumption on the premises, either alone or mixed with other beverages, and the retail sale of fortified wine in the manufacturer's original container for consumption off the premises. The permit also authorizes the permittee to transfer fortified wine, not more than four times per calendar year, to another on‑premises fortified wine permittee that is under common ownership or control as the transferor. Except as authorized by this subdivision, transfers of wine by on‑premises fortified wine permittees, purchases of wine by a retail permittee from another retail permittee for the purpose of resale, and sale of wine by a retail permittee to another retail permittee for the purpose of resale are unlawful. In addition, a particular brand of wine may be transferred only if both the transferor and transferee are located within the territory designated between the winery and the wholesaler on file with the Commission. Prior to or contemporaneous with any such transfer, the transferor shall notify each wholesaler who distributes the transferred product of the transfer. The notice shall be in writing or verifiable electronic format and shall identify the transferor and transferee, the date of the transfer, quantity, and items transferred. The holder of the permit is authorized to ship fortified wine in closed containers to individual purchasers inside and outside the State. Orders received by a winery by telephone, Internet, mail, facsimile, or other off‑premises means of communication shall be shipped pursuant to a wine shipper permit and not pursuant to this subdivision. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
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g.	The holder of a distillery permit authorized under G.S. 18B‑1105.
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(10)	Mixed Beverages Permit. – A mixed beverages permit authorizes the retail sale of mixed beverages for consumption on the premises. The permit also authorizes a mixed beverages permittee (i) to obtain a purchase‑transportation permit under G.S. 18B‑403 and 18B‑404, (ii) to obtain an antique spirituous liquor permit under subdivision (20) of this section, and (iii) to use for culinary purposes spirituous liquor lawfully purchased for use in mixed beverages. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
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i.	The holder of a distillery permit authorized under G.S. 18B‑1105.
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SECTION 1.(b)  G.S. 18B‑1105(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(6)	Sell malt beverages, unfortified wine, and fortified wine, for consumption on the premises upon obtaining the appropriate permit under G.S. 18B‑1001."

part ii. allow distilleries to sell mixed beverages
SECTION 2.  G.S. 18B‑1105(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(4a)	In an area where the sale of mixed beverages is authorized by law, sell mixed beverages for consumption on the premises. If a distillery elects to sell mixed beverages containing spirituous liquor other than that produced at the distillery, the distillery shall obtain a mixed beverages permit pursuant to G.S. 18B‑1001."

part iii. ALLOW CERTAIN orders of eligible distillery products
SECTION 3.(a)  G.S. 18B‑800 is amended by adding two new subsections to read:
"(c1)	Special Orders of Special Items. – Through the process established by rule of the Commission for special orders of spirituous liquor that are on the special item list approved by the Commission, ABC stores shall allow the purchase of individual bottles of spirituous liquor. ABC stores may sell in store any bottles it receives from a special item case in excess of what was purchased by the requesting customer.
(c2)	Orders of Eligible Distillery Products by Mixed Beverages Permittees. – A local board shall fulfill an order by a mixed beverages permittee for individual bottles or cases of spirituous liquor produced by an eligible distillery that are listed as a regular code item for sale in the State. If a local board cannot fulfill an order of a mixed beverages permittee for individual bottles or cases of spirituous liquor produced by an eligible distillery that are listed as a regular code item for sale in the State because the product ordered is not in the local board's stock inventory or the order cannot otherwise be fulfilled within the time period requested by the permittee, the local board shall notify the Commission within 48 hours of the request for the order and request authorization for direct shipment. The Commission shall then determine if the eligible distillery desires to directly ship the ordered product directly to the local board, and if so the Commission shall authorize the eligible distillery to ship the spirituous liquor ordered to the local board for the fulfillment of the mixed beverages permittee's order. Merchandise authorized to be shipped by direct shipment under this subsection shall be consigned by the State ABC warehouse to the distiller's account in care of the local board. The local board shall acknowledge receipt of the merchandise on the shipping documents and forward them to the State ABC warehouse for processing through the accounting system as though the merchandise were shipped from the State ABC warehouse. As used in this subsection, an "eligible distillery" is a distillery (i) that sells, to consumers at the distillery, to exporters, to local boards, and to private or public agencies or establishments of other states or nations, fewer than 10,000 proof gallons of in‑house brand spirituous liquors distilled and manufactured by it at the permit holder's distillery per year, and (ii) that is either the holder of a distillery permit pursuant to G.S. 18B‑1105 or is a business located outside the State that is licensed or permitted to manufacture spirituous liquor in the jurisdiction where the business is located and whose products are lawfully sold in this State."
SECTION 3.(b)  In order to facilitate the sale of any remainders of a special item case, increase customer access to products, and allow local ABC boards to more effectively manage inventory, the ABC Commission shall develop and implement an Internet‑based system to facilitate the sale and purchase of regular approved list items and special order list items of spirituous liquor by and among local ABC boards.
SECTION 3.(c)  The ABC Commission shall amend its rules consistent with this section.
SECTION 3.(d)  Subsection (a) of this section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to special orders placed on or after that date. The remainder of this section is effective when it becomes law.

part iv. revise law authorizing distillers to sell spirituous liquor distilled by the distiller for consumption off the premises
SECTION 4.(a)  G.S. 18B‑1105(a)(4) reads as rewritten:
"(4)	Sell spirituous liquor distilled at the distillery in closed containers to visitors who tour the distillery for consumption off the premises. Sales under this subdivision are allowed only in a county where the establishment of a county or municipal ABC store has been approved pursuant to G.S. 18B‑602(g) and are subject to the time and day restrictions in G.S. 18B‑802. Spirituous liquor sold under this subdivision shall (i) be listed as a code item for sale in the State, (ii) be sold at the price set by the Commission for the code item pursuant to G.S. 18B‑804(b), and (iii) have affixed to its bottle any labeling requirements set by law."
SECTION 4.(b)  G.S. 18B‑1116(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Prohibitions. – It shall be unlawful for any manufacturer, bottler, or wholesaler of any alcoholic beverages, or for any officer, director, or affiliate thereof, either directly or indirectly to:
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A brewery qualifying under subdivision (7) or (8) of G.S. 18B‑1104(a) is not subject to the provisions of this section concerning financial interests in, and lending or giving things of value to, a wholesaler or retailer with respect to the brewery's transactions with the retail business on its premises or other retail locations allowed under G.S. 18B‑1104(a)(8). The brewery is subject to the provisions of this subsection, however, with respect to its transactions with all other wholesalers and retailers.
A distillery is not subject to the provisions of this section concerning financial interests in, and lending or giving things of value to, a retailer with respect to the distillery's transactions with the retail business allowed on its premises under G.S. 18B‑1105(a)(4). The distillery is subject to the provisions of this subsection, however, with respect to its transactions with all other retailers."
SECTION 4.(c)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to sales made on or after that date.

part v. allow distilleries to issue purchase‑transportation permits for spirituous liquor sold by the distillery
SECTION 5.(a)  G.S. 18B‑403 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑403.  Purchase‑transportation permit.
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(b)	Issuance of Permit. – A purchase‑transportation permit may be issued by any of the following:
(1)	The local board chairman.
(2)	A member of the local board.
(3)	The general manager or supervisor of the local board.
(4)	Any employee of an ABC store, if the employee is authorized to issue permits by the local board chairman.
(5)	For spirituous liquor sold by the distillery only, the owner, or an employee designated by the owner, of a distillery authorized to sell spirituous liquor under G.S. 18B‑1105.
(c)	Disqualifications. – A purchase‑transportation permit shall not be issued to a person who meets any of the following:
(1)	Is not sufficiently identified or known to the issuer.
(2)	Is known or shown to be an alcoholic or bootlegger.
(3)	Has been convicted within the previous three years of an offense involving the sale, possession, or transportation of nontaxpaid alcoholic beverages.
(4)	Has been convicted within the previous three years of an offense involving the sale of alcoholic beverages without a permit.
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(e)	Restrictions on Permit. – A purchase may be made only from the store or distillery named on the permit. One copy of the permit shall be kept by the issuing person, one by the purchaser, and one by the store or distillery from which the purchase is made. The purchaser shall display his copy of the permit to any law‑enforcement officer upon request. A permit for the purchase and transportation of spirituous liquor may be issued only by an authorized agent of the local board for the jurisdiction in which the purchase will be made or in accordance with subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of this section.
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SECTION 5.(b)  G.S. 18B‑901(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Who Issues. – All ABC permits shall be issued by the Commission. Purchase‑transportation permits shall be issued by local boards or distilleries under G.S. 18B‑403."
SECTION 5.(c)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to purchases made on or after that date.

part vi. abc stores/allow in‑store spirituous liquor tastings
SECTION 6.(a)  G.S. 18B‑1114.7 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑1114.7.  Authorization of spirituous liquor special event permit.
(a)	Authorization. – The holder of a supplier representative permit, brokerage representative permit, or distillery permit issued under G.S. 18B‑1105 may obtain a spirituous liquor special event permit allowing the permittee to give free tastings of its spirituous liquors at ABC stores where the local board has approved the tasting, trade shows, conventions, shopping malls, street festivals, holiday festivals, agricultural festivals, balloon races, local fund‑raisers, and other similar events approved by the Commission.
(b)	General Limitations. – Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, any consumer tasting is subject to the following limitations:
(1)	The permit holder or the permit holder's authorized agent shall conduct the consumer tasting and the permit holder shall be solely responsible for any violations of this Chapter occurring in connection with the consumer tasting.
(2)	The spirituous liquor shall be poured only by either (i) the permit holder conducting the consumer tasting or (ii) an employee or authorized agent of the permit holder conducting the consumer tasting who is at least 21 years of age.
(3)	Each consumer shall be limited to one tasting sample containing 0.25 ounces of any product made available for sampling at the consumer tasting, and the total amount of the tasting samples offered to and consumed by each consumer shall not exceed 1.0 ounce of spirituous liquor in any calendar day.
(4)	The permit holder shall not offer tasting samples to, or allow consumption of tasting samples by, any consumer who is visibly intoxicated.
(5)	The permit holder shall not offer tasting samples to, or allow consumption of tasting samples by, any consumer under the legal age for consuming spirituous liquor. The person pouring the spirituous liquor shall be responsible for verifying the age of the consumer being served by checking the identification of the consumer.
(6)	The permit holder shall not charge a consumer for any tasting sample.
	
(8)	A consumer tasting shall not be allowed unless the venue is located in a jurisdiction that has approved the sale of mixed beverages.
(9)	The permit holder may provide point‑of‑sale advertising materials and advertising specialties and may sell branded merchandise such as glassware, cups, signs, t‑shirts, hats, and other apparel to consumers at the consumer tasting.
(10)	The permit holder shall maintain for a period of at least one year a record of each consumer tasting conducted. The record shall include the date of the consumer tasting, the time of the consumer tasting, an identification of the venue at which the consumer tasting was held, an identification of the spirituous liquor that was provided for tasting at the consumer tasting, and the name of any person who poured spirituous liquor at the consumer tasting. The permit holder shall allow the ABC Commission to inspect those records at any time.
(c)	Additional Limitations on Tastings in ABC Stores. – Consumer tastings conducted in an ABC store shall have the following additional limitations:
(1)	The spirituous liquor used in the consumer tasting event shall be purchased by the permit holder from any ABC store at the price set by the Commission. The permit holder shall remove from the premises any remaining spirituous liquor used in the consumer tasting event at the conclusion of the consumer tasting event.
(2)	A local board may allow consumer tasting events to be conducted only between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on any day the ABC store, where the consumer tasting event is being held, is authorized by law to sell spirituous liquor. No consumer tasting event shall be conducted for more than three hours.
(3)	The local board shall limit the consumer tasting events allowed per ABC store as follows:
a.	No more than three consumer tasting events may be held per calendar week.
b.	No more than two different permit holders may conduct a consumer tasting event at the same time.
(4)	Notwithstanding subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section, the total amount of the tasting samples offered to and consumed by each consumer at a consumer tasting event shall not exceed one‑half ounce of spirituous liquor in any calendar day.
(5)	The permit holder conducting the event may provide point‑of‑sale advertising materials and advertising specialties to consumers at the consumer tasting event, but shall not conduct any sales of any branded merchandise or apparel to consumers at the consumer tasting event.
(6)	The local board may post notice of the consumer tasting event at the local board's administrative offices and at any of the ABC stores within the local board's system and may provide notice of the consumer tasting event to any mixed beverage permittee that purchases spirituous liquor from an ABC store within the local board's system. Except as permitted by this subdivision, no local board or permit holder shall advertise or promote the consumer tasting event to the public or cause any person to do so on its behalf.
(7)	The permit holder shall provide written notice of the consumer tasting event to the ABC Commission at least 48 hours before the consumer tasting event. The notice shall include all of the following:
a.	The date and time of the consumer tasting event.
b.	The ABC store at which the consumer tasting event will be conducted.
c.	The spirituous liquor that will be provided for tasting at the consumer tasting event.
(8)	The Commission shall adopt rules to ensure that local ABC boards that choose to allow tastings provide holders of distillery permits issued under G.S. 18B‑1105 with reasonable opportunities to conduct tastings.
(9)	Any tasting conducted in an ABC store shall be the sole responsibility of the permit holder. No employee of a local board may participate in or conduct a tasting in an ABC store.
(10)	Any additional conditions imposed by the local board. Any additional conditions shall be in writing, and the local board shall post notice of the additional conditions at the local board's administrative offices and provide a copy of that notice to any permit holder upon request.
(11)	Except as otherwise provided in this section, a permit holder conducting a consumer tasting event pursuant to this section shall not provide any consideration to the local board, its board members, or its employees for any purpose related to the consumer tasting event. A consumer tasting event shall not be used by permit holders for unlawful inducements to a local board."
SECTION 6.(b)  G.S. 18B‑301(f)(1) reads as rewritten:
"(1)	Any person to consume fortified wine, spirituous liquor, or mixed beverages or to offer such beverages to another person at any of the following places:
a.	Unless a consumer tasting authorized by G.S. 18B‑1114.7 is being conducted, on the premises of an ABC store.
b.	Upon any property used or occupied by a local board.
c.	On any public road, street, highway, or sidewalk, unless a consumer tasting authorized by G.S. 18B‑1114.7 is being conducted."

part VII. self‑distributing breweries and malt beverages wholesalers/revise law governing private label sales
SECTION 7.  G.S. 18B‑1303(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b)	No Discrimination. – A wholesaler shall service all retail permit holders within the wholesaler's designated territory without discrimination and shall make a good faith effort to make available to each retail permit holder in the territory each brand of malt beverage which the wholesaler has been authorized to distribute in that area. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to retail permit holder private label brands, which, at the retail permit holder's direction, may be sold either exclusively to the retailer that owns the brand name or to all retail permit holders within each territory without discrimination. For purposes of this subsection, the term "retail permit holder private label brand" means a malt beverage product that is labeled with a brand name owned by a retailer."

part VIIi. clarify contract brewing law
SECTION 8.(a)  G.S. 18B‑1104(a)(6a) reads as rewritten:
"(6a)	Receive, in closed containers, and sell at the brewery, malt beverages produced inside or outside North Carolina under contract with a contract brewery. The contract brewery that manufactures the malt beverages shall be responsible for all aspects associated with manufacturing the product, subject to the rules of the Commission and the Department of Revenue. The brewery, not the contract brewery, shall be responsible for registering the contracted product with the Commission, submitting the appropriate reports regarding the malt beverages, and remitting the appropriate taxes if required by those rules. The contract malt beverages may be sold also at affiliated retail outlets of the brewery physically located on or adjacent to the brewery. Any malt beverages received from a contract brewery under this subdivision shall be made available for sale by the brewery to wholesalers for distribution to retailers, without discrimination, in the same manner as if the malt beverages were being imported by the brewery. Contract brewing is authorized between affiliated breweries, but shall not be used as a means to allocate production quantities between affiliated breweries to obtain a malt beverage wholesaler permit pursuant to subdivision (8) of this subsection where either brewery would not otherwise qualify for a permit, and the Commission shall have no authority to grant an exemption to this requirement pursuant to G.S. 18B‑1116(b)."
SECTION 8.(b)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to taxes collected on or after that date.

part iX. allow malt beverage tastings at farmers markets
SECTION 9.  G.S. 18B‑1114.5(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Authorization. – The holder of a brewery permit, a malt beverages importer permit, a brewing, distillation, and fermentation course authorization, or a nonresident malt beverage vendor permit may obtain a malt beverage special event permit allowing the permittee to give free tastings of its malt beverages; to sell branded merchandise such as glassware, cups, signs, t‑shirts, hats, and other apparel; and to sell its malt beverages by the glass or in closed containers at trade shows, conventions, shopping malls, malt beverage festivals, street festivals, holiday festivals, agricultural festivals, farmers markets, balloon races, local fund‑raisers, and other similar events approved by the Commission. Except for a brewery operating under the provisions of G.S. 18B‑1104(a)(8), all malt beverages sampled or sold pursuant to this section must be purchased from a licensed malt beverages wholesaler."

part X. allow transfers of malt beverages between permittees under common ownership or control
SECTION 10.  G.S. 18B‑1001 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑1001.  Kinds of ABC permits; places eligible.
When the issuance of the permit is lawful in the jurisdiction in which the premises are located, the Commission may issue the following kinds of permits:
(1)	On‑Premises Malt Beverage Permit. – An on‑premises malt beverage permit authorizes (i) the retail sale of malt beverages for consumption on the premises, (ii) the retail sale of malt beverages in the manufacturer's original container for consumption off the premises, and (iii) the retail sale of malt beverages in a cleaned and sanitized container that is filled or refilled and sealed for consumption off the premises and that identifies the permittee and the date the container was filled or refilled. The permit also authorizes the permittee to transfer malt beverages, not more than four times per calendar year, to another on‑premises malt beverage permittee that is under common ownership or control as the transferor. Except as authorized by this subdivision, transfers of malt beverages by on‑premises malt beverage permittees, purchases of malt beverages by a retail permittee from another retail permittee for the purpose of resale, and sales of malt beverages by a retail permittee to another retail permittee for the purpose of resale are unlawful. In addition, a particular brand of malt beverages may be transferred only if both the transferor and transferee are located within the territory designated between the brewery and the wholesaler on file with the Commission. Prior to or contemporaneous with any such transfer, the transferor shall notify each wholesaler who distributes the transferred product of the transfer. The notice shall be in writing or verifiable electronic format and shall identify the transferor and transferee, the date of the transfer, quantity, and items transferred. It also authorizes the holder of the permit to ship malt beverages in closed containers to individual purchasers inside and outside the State. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
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(2)	Off‑Premises Malt Beverage Permit. – An off‑premises malt beverage permit authorizes (i) the retail sale of malt beverages in the manufacturer's original container for consumption off the premises, (ii) the retail sale of malt beverages in a cleaned and sanitized container that is filled or refilled and sealed for consumption off the premises and that identifies the permittee and the date the container was filled or refilled, and (iii) the holder of the permit to ship malt beverages in closed containers to individual purchasers inside and outside the State. The permit also authorizes the permittee to transfer malt beverages, not more than four times per calendar year, to another off‑premises malt beverage permittee that is under common ownership or control as the transferor. Except as authorized by this subdivision, transfers of malt beverages by off‑premises malt beverage permittees, purchases of malt beverages by a retail permittee from another retail permittee for the purpose of resale, and sales of malt beverages by a retail permittee to another retail permittee for the purpose of resale are unlawful. In addition, a particular brand of malt beverages may be transferred only if both the transferor and transferee are located within the territory designated between the brewery and the wholesaler on file with the Commission. Prior to or contemporaneous with any such transfer, the transferor shall notify each wholesaler who distributes the transferred product of the transfer. The notice shall be in writing or verifiable electronic format and shall identify the transferor and transferee, the date of the transfer, quantity, and items transferred. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
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part Xi. malt beverages and wine/increase discount on price from 25% to 35% of the retail price
SECTION 11.(a)  Definition. – "Discount Rule" means 14B NCAC 15B .1004 (General Prohibitions) for purposes of this section and its implementation.
SECTION 11.(b)  Discount Rule. – Until the effective date of the revised permanent rule that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is required to adopt pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, the Commission shall implement the Discount Rule as provided in subsection (c) of this section.
SECTION 11.(c)  Implementation. – Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (b) of 14B NCAC 15B .1004 to the contrary, all of the following shall apply:
(1)	A combination of the use of a coupon, a rebate, or a permittee's loyalty card, discount card, or membership card shall not exceed thirty‑five percent (35%) of the advertised retail price for the purchase of a malt beverage or wine.
(2)	A coupon or rebate shall not provide a discount exceeding thirty‑five percent (35%) of the advertised retail price for the purchase of a malt beverage or wine.
(3)	A loyalty card, discount card, or membership card shall not provide a discount exceeding thirty‑five percent (35%) of the advertised retail price for the purchase of a malt beverage or wine.
SECTION 11.(d)  Adoption. – The Commission shall adopt rules to amend the Discount Rule consistent with subsection (c) of this section by no later than September 1, 2019. The Commission may adopt temporary rules to comply with the deadline set in this subsection. Any temporary rules adopted in accordance with this subsection shall remain in effect until permanent rules that replace the temporary rules become effective.
SECTION 11.(e)  Sunset. – This section expires when permanent rules adopted as required by subsection (d) of this section become effective.

part Xii. clarify definition of "premises"
SECTION 12.  G.S. 18B‑101(12a) reads as rewritten:
"(12a)	"Premises" means a fixed permanent establishment, including all areas inside or outside the licensed establishment, where the permittee has control through a lease, deed, or other legal process."

part Xiii. authorize sale and delivery of more than one drink at a time to a single patron
SECTION 13.(a)  Article 10 of Chapter 18B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 18B‑1010.  Sale and delivery of more than one drink at a time to a single patron.
(a)	Except as otherwise provided in this section, the holder of an on‑premises malt beverage permit, on‑premises unfortified wine permit, on‑premises fortified wine permit, or mixed beverages permit issued under G.S. 18B‑1001 may sell and deliver alcoholic beverage drinks to a single patron with the following limitations:
(1)	Not more than two alcoholic beverage drinks at one time if the alcoholic beverage drinks are any of the following:
a.	A malt beverage.
b.	Unfortified wine.
c.	Fortified wine.
(2)	Not more than one alcoholic beverage at one time if an alcoholic beverage drink is a mixed beverage or contains spirituous liquor.
(b)	Not more than one alcoholic beverage drink may be sold to a single patron at one time if the beverages are sold (i) at a stadium, athletic facility, or arena on the campus or property of a public college or university or (ii) during a sports event sponsored by a public college or university."
SECTION 13.(b)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to sales made on or after that date.

part XIV. allow sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at bingo games
SECTION 14.(a)  G.S. 18B‑308 is repealed.
SECTION 14.(b)  G.S. 14‑309.14(3) is repealed.
SECTION 14.(c)  G.S. 18B‑112(b)(3) reads as rewritten:
"(3)	Article 3. – Sale, Possession, and Consumption, except for G.S. 18B‑309."
SECTION 14.(d)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

part xV. food and lodging facility sanitation regulations/exempt breweries not engaged in the preparation of food
SECTION 15.(a)  G.S. 130A‑247 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(10)	"Brewery" means an establishment licensed under G.S. 18B‑1104 that is not engaged in the preparation of food on the premises. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "food" does not include beverages."
SECTION 15.(b)  G.S. 130A‑248 reads as rewritten:
"(a)	For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules governing the sanitation of establishments that prepare or serve drink or food for pay and establishments that prepare and sell meat food products or poultry products. However, any establishment that prepares or serves food or drink to the public, regardless of pay, shall be subject to the provisions of this Article if the establishment that prepares or serves food or drink holds an ABC permit, as defined in G.S. 18B‑101, meets any of the definitions in G.S. 18B‑1000, and does not meet the definition of a brewery as provided in G.S. 130A‑247(10) or a private club as provided in G.S. 130A‑247(2)."
SECTION 15.(c)  G.S. 130A‑250 reads as rewritten:
"§ 130A‑250.  Exemptions.
The following shall be exempt from this Part:
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(17)	A brewery as defined in G.S. 130A‑247(10)."
SECTION 15.(d)  Penalties imposed and fees charged before the effective date of this section are not abated or affected by this section, and the statutes that would be applicable but for this section remain applicable to those penalties and fees.

part xVi. restrict creation of new abc systems
SECTION 16.(a)  G.S. 18B‑600 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑600.  Places eligible to hold alcoholic beverage elections.
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(a1)	ABC Store Elections Requiring Merger. – A jurisdiction located in a county where an ABC board is already in operation may hold an ABC store election only if all of the following criteria are met:
(1)	The jurisdiction has negotiated the details of the merger required by G.S. 18B‑700(c1) if the establishment of ABC stores is approved.
(2)	The details of the planned merger, including the distribution of profits, have been determined in accordance with G.S. 18B‑703, and have been made available to all registered voters in the jurisdiction where the ABC store election is to be held.
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(d)	City ABC Store Elections. – A city may hold an ABC store election only if all of the following criteria are met:
(1)	The city has at least 1,000 registered voters.
(2)	The county in which the city is located does not operate ABC stores.
(3)	At least one other city in the same county operates an ABC store.
…."
SECTION 16.(b)  G.S. 18B‑700 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(c1)	Limit on Creation of New Boards. – Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no new local board may be created in any county where a local board operates an ABC store. If a jurisdiction holds an ABC store election under G.S. 18B‑602(g), the establishment of ABC stores is approved, and the jurisdiction is located in a county where a local board is already in operation, the jurisdiction that held the election shall enter into an agreement with an existing local board to create a merged local board in accordance with G.S. 18B‑703. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as prohibiting a local board from serving multiple cities, counties, or cities and counties."
SECTION 16.(c)  G.S. 18B‑703(e) reads as rewritten:
"(e)	Dissolution. – Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, with the approval of the Commission, the cities or counties that have merged their ABC systems may dissolve the merged operation at any time and resume their prior separate operations. A city or county that has merged with another local board pursuant to the requirements of G.S. 18B‑700(c1) may only dissolve a merged operation if one of the following applies:
(1)	The city or county is merging with a different local board.
(2)	The city or county is ceasing operation of all ABC stores within the city or county."
SECTION 16.(d)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to elections held on or after that date.

part xVII. allow electronic payment for spirituous liquor purchased by mixed beverages permittees
SECTION 17.(a)  G.S. 18B‑404 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(e)	Electronic Payment. – A local board shall accept electronic payments for any spirituous liquor purchased by a mixed beverages permittee. A local board may not charge a fee for accepting electronic payments under this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, the term "electronic payment" means payment by debit card or by electronic funds transfer as defined in G.S. 105‑228.90, but does not include payment by charge card or credit card."
SECTION 17.(b)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2019, and applies to sales made on or after that date.

part xvIII. abc commission/require acceptance of payments and forms electronically
SECTION 18.(a)  Article 9 of Chapter 18B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 18B‑907.  Allow electronic submission of payments and forms.
(a)	Forms. – The Commission shall make all forms required by the Commission to apply for and receive a permit available on the Commission's Web site, and the Commission shall, to the extent practicable, allow for the electronic submission of these forms. Any form required by the Commission to apply for and receive a permit that requires a signature may be submitted with an electronic signature in accordance with Article 40 of Chapter 66 of the General Statutes.
(b)	Payments. – The Commission shall accept electronic payments for any fee required under this Chapter to receive a permit. For purposes of this subsection, the term "electronic payment" means payment by charge card, credit card, debit card, or by electronic funds transfer as defined in G.S. 105‑228.90.
(c)	Fee. – The Commission may charge a fee to be used to cover costs incurred by the Commission in processing forms electronically and accepting payments electronically. The fee authorized under this subsection may not exceed five dollars ($5.00)."
SECTION 18.(b)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to permits applied for on or after that date.

part xIX. creation of common area entertainment permit
SECTION 19.(a)  G.S. 18B‑1000 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑1000.  Definitions concerning establishments.
The following requirements and definitions shall apply to this Chapter:
…
(4)	Hotel. – An establishment substantially engaged in the business of furnishing lodging. A hotel shall have a restaurant either on or closely associated with the premises. The restaurant and hotel need not be owned or operated by the same person.
(4e)	Multi‑tenant establishment. – A building or structure, or multiple buildings and structures on the same property, or within the same planned development project that may be subject to a common declaration of restrictive covenants administered by a common property owners' association, and under common ownership, control or property owners' association governance, that contain or contains multiple businesses that sell food, goods, services, or a combination of food, goods, and services, and that include or are connected by common areas. For purposes of this Chapter, "common areas" shall include portions of a building or structure and outdoor areas that are used jointly by multiple businesses on a property or within a planned development project, whether such areas are under common ownership or are subject to cross‑access easements for use by multiple businesses. A shopping mall is not a multi‑tenant establishment if more than fifty percent (50%) of the shopping mall's common areas, measured in acreage or square footage, are enclosed and air‑conditioned. Any outdoor common area not used as a parking field that is associated with a shopping mall shall be deemed appropriate for a Common Area Entertainment Permit as allowed in this Chapter.
…."
SECTION 19.(b)  G.S. 18B‑1001 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(21)	Common Area Entertainment Permit. – A permit under this subdivision may be issued to the owner or property owners' association of a multi‑tenant establishment that has at least two tenants that hold a permit issued under subdivision (1), (3), (5), or (10) of this section. A common area entertainment permit authorizes a customer of a multi‑tenant establishment tenant holding a permit issued under subdivision (1), (3), (5), or (10) of this section to exit that licensed premises with an open container of the alcoholic beverage sold by the tenant holding the permit and consume the alcoholic beverage within the confines of any indoor or outdoor common area on the premises of the multi‑tenant establishment designated by the owner or property owners' association of the multi‑tenant establishment for consumption of alcoholic beverages. Additionally, a permit issued under this subdivision is subject to all of the following conditions:
a.	The owner or property owners' association of the multi‑tenant establishment shall designate the common area in which alcoholic beverages may be consumed. Additionally, the owner or property owners' association of the multi‑tenant establishment shall post signs in conspicuous locations on the multi‑tenant establishment property indicating which common area is the designated common area. The owner or property owners' association of the multi‑tenant establishment shall submit to the Commission for review and approval (i) a plat of the multi‑tenant establishment property for a designated outdoor common area with the common area designated for alcohol consumption clearly marked or (ii) a detailed map of the relevant building on the multi‑tenant establishment property for a designated indoor common area with the common area designated for alcohol consumption clearly marked. The Commission shall reject any plat or map submitted under this sub‑subdivision that does not meet the requirements of this subdivision or any rule adopted by the Commission. The owner or property owners' association of the multi‑tenant establishment shall submit a plat or map as required under this sub‑subdivision for each renewal of the permit issued under this subdivision and at least 10 days prior to making any adjustments to the designated common area.
b.	Alcoholic beverages sold for consumption in a designated common area shall be dispensed only in a container that clearly identifies the licensed premises from which the beverage was purchased. The amount of alcoholic beverage dispensed into a container under this sub‑subdivision shall not exceed 16 fluid ounces.
c.	A customer is not allowed to possess or consume more than one alcoholic beverage at a time while within the designated common area.
d.	Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed within the designated common area during the hours in which the alcoholic beverage may be sold under G.S. 18B‑1004, and the owner or property owners' association of the multi‑tenant establishment may further limit the days and times in which an alcoholic beverage may be consumed in a designated common area. The owner or property owners' association of the multi‑tenant establishment shall post signs in conspicuous locations on the multi‑tenant establishment property indicating the days and times in which a person may consume an alcoholic beverage in a designated common area.
e.	A customer in the designated common area shall dispose of any alcoholic beverage in his or her possession prior to exiting the designated common area unless the customer is entering a licensed premises that allows the customer to enter with the alcoholic beverage. A customer is not allowed to exit a designated common area with any alcoholic beverage he or she was consuming within the area except to enter a licensed premises that allows the customer to enter with the alcoholic beverage.
f.	A customer is not allowed to bring and consume within the designated common area alcoholic beverages not purchased from a tenant of the multi‑tenant establishment holding an applicable permit.
g.	Any additional conditions imposed by the Commission. Any additional conditions imposed by the Commission shall be posted on the Commission's Web site."
SECTION 19.(c)  G.S. 18B‑902(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d)	Fees. – An application for an ABC permit shall be accompanied by payment of the following application fee:
…
(46)	Common area entertainment permit – $750.00."

part xX. creation of delivery service permit
SECTION 20.(a)  Article 10 of Chapter 18B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 18B‑1001.4.  Authorization of delivery service permit.
(a)	Authorization. – The holder of a delivery service permit, or the permit holder's employee or independent contractor, may deliver malt beverages, unfortified wine, or fortified wine on behalf of a retailer holding a permit issued pursuant to subdivisions (1) through (6) and (16) of G.S. 18B‑1001 to a location designated by the purchaser. A delivery service permittee may also facilitate delivery through technology services that connect consumers and licensed retailers through the use of the Internet, mobile applications, and other similar technology.
(b)	Training and Payment. – Prior to making any deliveries, each individual delivering alcoholic beverages pursuant to a delivery service permit shall successfully complete a course approved by the Commission related to the delivery of alcoholic beverages. Upon receipt of a proposed training program from a holder of a delivery service permit, the Commission shall have 15 business days to approve, deny, or request modifications to the proposed training program. An individual delivering alcoholic beverages pursuant to a delivery service permit shall not handle or possess funds used to purchase an alcoholic beverage that is to be delivered, but may facilitate the sales transaction in a manner that does not involve taking possession of funds.
(c)	Age of Recipient and Notice. – An individual may only deliver alcoholic beverages pursuant to a delivery service permit to an individual who is at least 21 years of age and who immediately takes actual possession of the alcoholic beverages purchased. A delivery of alcoholic beverages in a package that obscures the manufacturer's original packaging shall have affixed to the outside of the package a notice in 26‑point type or larger stating: "CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AGE VERIFICATION REQUIRED."
(d)	Limitations. – A delivery service permittee shall deliver alcoholic beverages only within the time allowed for lawful sales and consumption in the jurisdiction where the delivery is located. No delivery shall be made to any jurisdiction within the State that has not authorized the sale of the purchased alcoholic beverages. A delivery service permittee shall not deliver alcoholic beverages to the premises of another licensed retailer or more than 50 miles from the retailer's licensed premises. Only alcoholic beverages purchased for personal consumption and from a licensed retailer's existing inventory located on the retailer's premises may be delivered pursuant to a delivery service permit.
(e)	Scope and Construction. – A delivery service permit is not required for a common carrier lawfully transporting or shipping alcoholic beverages. Nothing in this section shall be construed as exempting the delivery of alcoholic beverages pursuant to a delivery service permit from the requirements set forth in Article 4 of Chapter 18B of the General Statutes. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a technology services company to obtain a delivery service permit if the company does not employ or contract with delivery drivers, but rather provides software or an application that connects consumers and licensed retailers for the delivery of alcoholic beverages from the licensed retailer.
(f)	Penalties for Violations in Residence Halls. – Notwithstanding G.S. 18B‑104, if a delivery service permittee commits a violation of this Chapter when delivering to a residence hall located on the premises of an institution of higher education the delivery service permittee shall be subject to a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the first violation, up to one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for a second violation within three years of the first violation, and up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) for a third or subsequent violation within three years of the first violation. In any case in which there are two or more violations within three years by a delivery service permittee when delivering to a residence hall on the premises of an institution of higher education in which the Commission is entitled to suspend or revoke a permit, the Commission may accept from the permittee an offer in compromise to pay a penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The Commission may either accept a compromise or revoke a permit, but not both. The Commission may accept a compromise and suspend the permit in the same case."
SECTION 20.(b)  G.S. 18B‑902(d), as amended by Section 19(c) of this act, reads as rewritten:
"(d)	Fees. – An application for an ABC permit shall be accompanied by payment of the following application fee:
…
(47)	Delivery service permit – $400.00."
SECTION 20.(c)  The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission shall begin accepting permit applications and approving training programs no later than September 1, 2019.
SECTION 20.(d)  Subsections (a) and (b) of this section become effective December 1, 2019. The remainder of this section is effective when it becomes law.

part xXi. brewery sales authorization
SECTION 21.(a)  G.S. 18B‑1104(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Authorized Acts. – The holder of a brewery permit may:
…
	
(7b)	Regardless of the results of any local malt beverage election, sell the malt beverages owned by the brewery at the brewery for on‑ or off‑premise consumption upon obtaining the appropriate permit under G.S. 18B‑1001.
…."
SECTION 21.(b)  This section becomes effective October 1, 2019.

part xXii. allow sports and entertainment venues to obtain on‑premises fortified wine permits and special occasion permits
SECTION 22.  G.S. 18B‑1001 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑1001.  Kinds of ABC permits; places eligible.
When the issuance of the permit is lawful in the jurisdiction in which the premises are located, the Commission may issue the following kinds of permits:
…
(5)	On‑Premises Fortified Wine Permit. – An on‑premises fortified wine permit authorizes the retail sale of fortified wine for consumption on the premises, either alone or mixed with other beverages, and the retail sale of fortified wine in the manufacturer's original container for consumption off the premises. The permit also authorizes the permittee to transfer fortified wine, not more than four times per calendar year, to another on‑premises fortified wine permittee that is under common ownership or control as the transferor. Except as authorized by this subdivision, transfers of wine by on‑premises fortified wine permittees, purchases of wine by a retail permittee from another retail permittee for the purpose of resale, and sale of wine by a retail permittee to another retail permittee for the purpose of resale are unlawful. In addition, a particular brand of wine may be transferred only if both the transferor and transferee are located within the territory designated between the winery and the wholesaler on file with the Commission. Prior to or contemporaneous with any such transfer, the transferor shall notify each wholesaler who distributes the transferred product of the transfer. The notice shall be in writing or verifiable electronic format and shall identify the transferor and transferee, the date of the transfer, quantity, and items transferred. The holder of the permit is authorized to ship fortified wine in closed containers to individual purchasers inside and outside the State. Orders received by a winery by telephone, Internet, mail, facsimile, or other off‑premises means of communication shall be shipped pursuant to a wine shipper permit and not pursuant to this subdivision. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
a.	Restaurants.
b.	Hotels.
c.	Private clubs.
d.	Community theatres.
e.	Wineries.
f.	Convention centers.
g.	Sports and entertainment venues.
…
(8)	Special Occasion Permit. – A special occasion permit authorizes the host of a reception, party or other special occasion, with the permission of the permittee, to bring fortified wine and spirituous liquor onto the premises of the business and to serve the same to his guests. The permit may be issued for any of the following:
a.	Restaurants.
b.	Hotels.
c.	Eating establishments.
d.	Private clubs.
e.	Convention centers.
f.	Sports and entertainment venues.
…."

part XXIII. exempt mixed beverage permittees from purchase‑transportation permit requirement for spirituous liquor
SECTION 23.(a)  G.S. 18B‑303 reads as rewritten:
"§ 18B‑303.  Amounts of alcoholic beverages that may be purchased.
(a)	Purchases Allowed. – Without a permit, a person may purchase at one time:
(1)	Not more than 80 liters of malt beverages, except draft malt beverages in kegs for off‑premises consumption. For purchase of a keg or kegs of malt beverages for off‑premises consumption, the permit required by G.S. 18B‑403.1(a) must first be obtained;
(2)	Any amount of draft malt beverages by a permittee in kegs for on‑premise consumption;
(3)	Not more than 50 liters of unfortified wine;
(4)	Not more than eight liters of either fortified wine or spirituous liquor, or eight liters of the two combined.
(b)	Unlawful Purchase. – Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, and in Article 11 of this Chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to purchase, or for any person to sell, an amount of alcoholic beverages greater than that stated in subsection (a).
(c)	Greater Amounts. – Amounts of alcoholic beverages greater than those listed in subdivisions (a)(3) and (a)(4) may be purchased with a purchase‑transportation permit under G.S. 18B‑403.
(d)	Mixed Beverage Permittee Exception. – A mixed beverage permittee, or an employee of a mixed beverage permittee, may purchase and transport any amount of fortified wine or spirituous liquor for use by the mixed beverage permittee without obtaining a purchase‑transportation permit under G.S. 18B‑403. An employee of a local board may transport to a mixed beverage permittee any amount of fortified wine or spirituous liquor purchased by the mixed beverage permittee without obtaining a purchase‑transportation permit under G.S. 18B‑403. An independent contractor employed pursuant to G.S. 18B‑701(a)(1), by either a mixed beverage permittee or a local board, shall not be considered an employee of a mixed beverage permittee or a local board for purposes of this subsection."
SECTION 23.(b)  G.S. 18B‑403(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Amounts. – With a purchase‑transportation permit, a person may purchase and transport an amount of alcoholic beverages greater than the amount specified in G.S. 18B‑303(a). A permit authorizes the holder to transport from the place of purchase to the destination within North Carolina indicated on the permit at one time the following amount of alcoholic beverages:
(1)	A maximum of 100 liters of unfortified wine.
(2)	A maximum of 40 liters of either fortified wine or spirituous liquor, or 40 liters of the two combined.
(3)	The amount of fortified wine or spirituous liquors specified on the purchase‑transportation permit for transportation to a mixed beverage permittee by an independent contractor employed pursuant to G.S. 18B‑701(a)(1)."
SECTION 23.(c)  This section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to fortified wine and spirituous liquor purchased on or after that date.

part xxIV. abc commission/quarterly report on process for obtaining a contract for state warehouse services
SECTION 24.(a)  Beginning October 15, 2019, and quarterly thereafter, the ABC Commission shall submit a written report to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety detailing the progress made in bidding and selecting an independent contractor for the receipt, storage, and distribution of spirituous liquor at and from the State warehouse in accordance with G.S. 18B‑204(a)(3). The report required under this section shall include all of the following:
(1)	The schedule for developing and issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP), including detailed explanations as to how the Commission is meeting the milestones identified on the schedule.
(2)	An identification of State agencies, departments, and other entities providing the Commission with technical assistance on RFP development and contract negotiations, including a detailed description of the assistance that is being provided.
(3)	A description of the Commission's consultation with local ABC boards, as that term is defined in G.S. 18B‑101, to ensure the boards' concerns and expectations are addressed during the RFP development and contract negotiations.
(4)	A copy of the RFP when it is released for bid.
(5)	A copy of the final contract entered into pursuant to G.S. 18B‑204(a)(3).
(6)	An implementation schedule for transitioning from the existing contract for services described in G.S. 18B‑204(a)(3) to the new contract.
SECTION 24.(b)  The reporting requirement set forth in subsection (a) of this section expires upon the earlier of the date of the award of the contract for services described in G.S. 18B‑204(a)(3) or January 1, 2022.

part xxV. local abc boards/allow delivery fee
SECTION 25.(a)  G.S. 18B‑701(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Powers. – A local board shall have authority to do all of the following:
(1)	Buy, sell, transport, and possess alcoholic beverages as necessary for the operation of its ABC stores. If a local board provides delivery of spirituous liquor to a mixed beverages permittee, the local board may use its employees or contract with an independent contractor and may charge a fee to the permittee. A mixed beverage permittee may contract with an independent contractor to provide delivery of spirituous liquor from an ABC board's store or warehouse to the permittee's premises.
(2)	Adopt rules for its ABC system, subject to the approval of the Commission.
(3)	Hire and fire employees for the ABC system.
(4)	Designate one employee as manager of the ABC system and determine his responsibilities.
(5)	Require bonds of employees as provided in the rules of the Commission.
(6)	Operate ABC stores as provided in Article 8.
(7)	Issue purchase‑transportation permits as provided in Article 4.
(8)	Employ local ABC officers or make other provision for enforcement of ABC laws as provided in Article 5.
(9)	Borrow money as provided in G.S. 18B‑702.
(10)	Buy and lease real and personal property, and receive property devised or given, as necessary for the operation of the ABC system.
(11)	Invest surplus funds as provided in G.S. 18B‑702.
(12)	Dispose of property in the same manner as a city council may under Article 12 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes.
…."
SECTION 25.(b)  The ABC Commission shall adopt rules to implement this section, including the allowed fee for delivery and establishing requirements independent contractors must meet to provide deliveries authorized by this section.
SECTION 25.(c)  Subsection (a) of this section becomes effective September 1, 2019, and applies to deliveries made on or after that date. The remainder of this section is effective when it becomes law.

part xxVi. administrative penalty process/ped study
SECTION 26.(a)  Study. – The Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee shall revise the biennial 2019‑2020 work plan for the Program Evaluation Division to include a study of the actions the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is authorized to take under G.S. 18B‑104 for violations of Chapter 18B of the General Statutes. The study required under this subsection shall include an examination of (i) the proportionality of the punishment that may be imposed under G.S. 18B‑104 in relation to the violation, (ii) the remainder of the law set forth in G.S. 18B‑104 to identify any areas in which the law may be lacking, and (iii) the process utilized and punishment authorized by other alcoholic beverage control states for violations of their alcoholic beverage laws.
SECTION 26.(b)  Cooperation. – Upon request, the Commission shall provide any necessary information, data, or documents within their possession, ascertainable from their records, or otherwise available to them, to the Program Evaluation Division to complete the study required under subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 26.(c)  Report. – The Program Evaluation Division shall report its findings and recommendations from the study required under subsection (a) of this section to the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee by March 15, 2020.

part XXviI. rules
SECTION 27.  The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission shall amend its rules consistent with the provisions of this act. The Commission may use the procedure set forth in G.S. 150B‑21.1 to amend any rules as required under this section.

part XXVIII. severability clause
SECTION 28.  If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act that can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.

part XXIX. effective date
SECTION 29.  Sections 26 and 29 of this act are effective when this act becomes law. Except as otherwise provided, the remainder of this act becomes effective September 1, 2019.