David Sherlin

The Commission addressed several agenda items, including the ratification of 100 Offers in Compromise, with one case requiring an amendment. A Notice of Intent to Revoke ABC permits for a sports bar was deliberated, resulting in a decision to suspend permits for seven days followed by full revocation. Multiple exemption requests pursuant to N.C.G.S. §18B-1116(b) were approved with conditions concerning ownership interests and product supply chains. Additionally, the Commission approved a request from the Asheville ABC Board to remodel and operate a store at a new location. Finally, the Commission handled mandatory rules reviews, approving proposed text for rule amendments and adopting previously published rule amendments excluding one specific provision.

The Commission presented the Trailblazer Award to a commissioner in recognition of Black History Month. The Board ratified 90 offers in compromise and approved an exemption request regarding ownership interests in a retail establishment. Additionally, a merger between the City of Greensboro ABC Board and the Town of Pleasant Garden ABC Board was approved to create a consolidated system, which is expected to increase revenue and operational efficiencies. Finally, the Commission provided updates regarding the opening of the online payment portal for permit registration and renewals.

The Commission reviewed 100 offers in compromise for various establishments involving violations such as the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage persons, possession of spirituous liquor without tax stamps, failure to maintain invoices, failure to superintend premises, and possession of controlled substances. The Commission approved settlements involving license suspensions and monetary payments in lieu of suspension for these infractions, with some cases involving cancellation of permits for more severe violations.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key items: a section for Hearing Cases, a Notice of Intent to Revoke license pursuant to N.C.G.S. §18B-104(a)(2) for Touchdown Sports Bar LLC, and multiple Exemption Requests pursuant to N.C.G.S. §18B-1116(b) involving various entities such as Pine Top Distillery LLC, The Wells Brewing L.L.C., and others. Additionally, the agenda covers an ABC Store Location review for the Asheville ABC Board and mandatory rules reviews concerning 14B NCAC 15C Sections .0800-.1200, Rule .0608, Section .0700, and Rule .0103. The document also lists numerous Offers in Compromise related to various establishments facing license suspension actions.

The meeting included the approval of the January 14, 2026 agenda with one requested revision to remove a rulemaking item. The Commission ratified 86 offers in compromise presented for consideration. An exemption request pursuant to N.C.G.S. §18B-1116(b) regarding proposed ownership interests in Southern Peak Brewery and Peak City Brewing Company was approved, contingent on certain restrictions. The request from the Mecklenburg County ABC Board to purchase property and construct a new ABC store at 20215 West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius was also approved. A public hearing regarding the mandatory rules review for 14B NCAC 15C, Rule .0103 and Section .0700 was opened and closed, noting that the public comment period remains open. Finally, the Commission approved proposed meeting dates for the period from May 2026 through December 2026.