Hank Bauer

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.

The meeting focused primarily on Section I: Offers in Compromise involving numerous licensees. These offers addressed various violations, including failing to maintain invoices, selling to underage persons, employee possession of controlled substances, selling or giving alcoholic beverages to an underage person, performing services while intoxicated, possessing nontaxpaid spirituous liquor, possessing a spirituous liquor bottle without a tax stamp, and failing to maintain required records or permits.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key items to be discussed. The primary focus involves Hearing Cases, specifically 86 instances, which likely pertain to violations or compliance issues. Other significant topics include an Exemption Request pursuant to N.C.G.S. §18B-1116(b) concerning Southern Peak Brewery and related parties. The agenda also addresses an ABC Store Location in Mecklenburg County, a Rulemaking Request regarding the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (Continued), and a Public Hearing for a Mandatory Rules Review related to 14B NCAC 15C rules. Finally, the meeting will cover Other Business.

The regular monthly meeting included the ratification of 84 offers in compromise presented by General Counsel. The Commission addressed a request to amend a previously granted exemption (pursuant to N.C.G.S. §18B-1116(b)) related to ownership changes involving Bond Brothers Beer Company, Fortnight Brewing, and the addition of Starpoint Brewing, approving the amendment with a condition regarding product sales. An exemption request was approved for The Three Ring Brewing Co. (Hi-Wire Brewing) regarding ownership interests with Joyful Noise Hifi, subject to management and sales conditions. A second amended exemption order request involving Suffolk Punch Holdings, LLC and affiliated retail entities was also approved, authorizing the maximum number of affiliated retail locations. The Board approved the Belville ABC Board's request to purchase property and construct a new ABC store to replace its existing location due to roadway improvement impacts. The issue regarding armed security personnel licensure and potential rulemaking in conjunction with the Private Protective Services Board was tabled for further review in January 2026. Finally, the Commission adopted amendments to 14B NCAC 15C, Sections .0400 through .0600, following the review of public comments, and authorized staff to file these amendments.