Common ABC Permits in NC 
NC ABC* in regards to beer**
*This article ONLY pertains to ABC permits in North Carolina.
** The NC ABC deals with more than just beer, but for the purposes of this article we are only talking about permits as they relate to beer.
Once you receive your Brewers Notice from the TTB, it’s time to apply for your state ABC permit. Below is a sampling of ABC permits you can obtain in North Carolina.
There are two categories of permits with the NC ABC.
- Commercial permit to manufacture and distribute malt beverages and
- Retail permit to sell malt beverages to consumers
Our beer clients typically apply for both a commercial and retail permit because they want to produce beer (commercial), distribute (commercial) and sell their beer (retail).
Some of the common types of commercial permits are:
- Brewery Permit: to manufacture malt beverages
- Malt Beverage Special Event Permit: providing malt beverages by the glass at trade shows, conventions, malt beverage festivals, and street festivals that are approved by the ABC.
- Malt Beverages Wholesaler: receive, possess, and transport shipments of malt beverages and sell malt beverages
- This permit also allows for the selling, delivering, and shipping of malt beverages to wholesalers or retailers
Some of the common types of retail permits are:
- On-premise Malt Beverage Permit: allows for the sale of malt beverages for consumption on the business’ premises.
- It is important to note that this permit also allows for off-premise sale of malt beverages as long as they are in the manufacturer’s original container.
- Off-premise Malt Beverage Permit: authorizes the retail sale of malt beverages in the manufacturer’s original container for consumption off the premises
- The holder of the permit can also ship malt beverages in closed containers to purchasers inside and outside the State.
- On-premise Unfortified Wine Permit: unfortified wine contains 16% or less alcohol
- This permit allows for consumption of unfortified wine on the business’ premises and allows for off-premise sales as long as it is in the original manufacturer’s container.
- If you are selling beer and wine you must also have food available, evidenced by a menu. But HB500 might be reversing this requirement.
- On-premise Fortified Wine Permit: fortified wine contains 17-24% alcohol
- This permit allows for consumption of fortified wine on the business’ premises and allows for off-premise sales as long as it is in the original manufacturer’s container.
- Selling beer and fortified wine requires a kitchen for food prep on premises (just as if you are selling distilled spirits).
Each permit carries a fee and paperwork. More information about the NC ABC can be found here.
Contact us!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at john@beerlawcenter.com or call 919-335-5291.
Be sure to check out Beer Law Center and Matheson Law Office for all things NC legal.