NC House takes action on laws for alcohol sales
NC House gives initial OK to law expanding in-stand beer sales, approves "growler" bill
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina lawmakers are moving closer to relaxing rules for selling beer to seated fans at stadiums.
The House on Monday gave initial approval to a bill permitting alcohol sales in the seating areas of professional ballparks with a capacity of at least 3,000. Current law allows for in-stand sales only at venues of at least 60,000 seats.
The bill passed narrowly and will have to return for another vote. Opponents argued the bill will encourage greater consumption.
Another bill allowing retailers to stock beer in larger, refillable containers passed with little debate. The bill is aimed at helping the state's craft brewers, who often package their product in containers of up to 64 ounces. The containers known as "growlers" are not allowed to be sold at grocery stores.
