Bill sets North Carolina rules for premixed cocktails

The bill would set rules for producing, distributing, selling, and taxing premixed cocktails. These provisions cover premixed cocktail producers, wholesalers, permit-holding retailers, and special-event sellers in North Carolina. The bill defines a premixed cocktail as a single-serving drink in its original sealed container, no larger than 24 fluid ounces, with alcohol content from 0.5% to 9.9%. Wholesalers may sell cases to licensed businesses, and special-event sales must follow permit and local approval rules. The bill sets a $2.50-per-gallon excise tax, generally paid once by the resident wholesaler or importer that first handles the drinks in North Carolina. The premixed cocktail wholesaler franchise rules would apply when the act becomes law. Most other premixed cocktail provisions would apply to drinks sold on or after October 1, 2026.

A nonprofit or government entity could conduct a 50/50 raffle without the listed raffle limits. This applies to 50/50 raffles conducted by North Carolina nonprofit organizations or government entities. The raffle must split ticket proceeds evenly between the prize winner or winners and the nonprofit or government entity. Other raffle rules remain, including the ban on holding raffles with bingo. This section would apply to offenses committed on or after August 1, 2026.

The bill would allow more game-night events at exempt organizations and qualified facilities. These limits apply to game nights held by exempt organizations and qualified facilities authorized to host them. An exempt organization could hold up to 24 game nights per year. A qualified facility could host up to 24 game nights in a calendar year. The section would take effect October 1, 2026, and apply to game nights held on or after that date.

Wineries could sell malt beverages for customers to drink on the premises after getting the required permit. This covers holders of unfortified and fortified winery permits. This applies regardless of the results of a local malt-beverage election. The winery must obtain the appropriate permit under the bill's alcohol laws. This section would take effect when the act becomes law.