North Carolina

Distilleries benefit in NC alcohol bill given final OK

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina distilleries would benefit from eased regulations to sell their own products on-site and market them at Alcoholic Beverage Control stores in legislation heading to Gov. Roy Cooper's desk.

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The Senate agreed on Tuesday to accept House changes to the measure, designed in part to help encourage growth in the manufacturing of spirituous liquor in the state.

The bill would allow liquor tastings at local ABC stores, with a focus on creating opportunities for in-state distillers. An earlier annual limit on how many bottles distilleries can sell directly to people who tour their operations would be removed.

Separately, the bill makes clear that most licensed establishments can sell two beers or glasses of wine to a single customer and would permit bingo game operators to sell alcoholic beverages.