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Great Beer Deserves Great Laws!

Love NC Beer? Help protect it! Becoming The State of Southern Beer didn’t happen by accident—it took passion, hard work, and a community that believes in great beer. It also took smart laws and a business-friendly environment that helped our breweries grow and thrive.

That’s where the NC Craft Brewers PAC comes in.

What is the North Carolina Craft Brewers PAC?

Why does this matter?

Laws affect everything—from how you can enjoy a beer at a local taproom to how breweries can sell and distribute their products. But, making legislative change takes time, effort, and money.

Your support helps us:

  • Build strong relationships with lawmakers

  • Educate decision-makers about the craft beer industry

  • Advocate for fair, forward-thinking policy

  • Protect the future of independent beer in North Carolina

The NC Craft Brewers PAC (Political Action Committee) is a nonpartisan committee that was created by and for North Carolina’s independent brewers. Its purpose is simple: To protect the rights of local breweries and to support common-sense legislation that helps our industry succeed.

From modernizing outdated laws to pushing for policies that support small businesses, the PAC helps give craft beer a voice in North Carolina.

How can you help?

Legislation matters—so does your support.

Every pint starts with policy. Let’s support the brewers who keep NC Beer flowing. Make a one-time or recurring donation today and show your support for NC beer. Even a small contribution helps us keep up the fight for a stronger, more sustainable craft beer industry.

Legal Requirements: North Carolina law requires all PAC donations to come from personal funds, not businesses. We also must collect your name, address, and occupation to comply with campaign finance laws. Contributions are not tax-deductible. North Carolina law allows us to accept contributions from any adult US citizen up to the maximum allowable amount: currently $6,400 per election cycle.

What does advocacy actually look like?

From lifting outdated restrictions to keeping taprooms open during crises, these wins show how strong policy work keeps NC beer flowing. Here's how your support helps make real change happen.

Mixed Beverage Sales Approved [2023]

Senate Bill 91 was signed into law, allowing breweries to hold a Mixed Beverage (bar) permit. This means taprooms can now serve cocktails and mixed drinks, creating new revenue opportunities for breweries and more options for customers.

COVID Relief for Breweries [2020]

During the pandemic, the Guild worked with state leaders to ensure breweries were deemed essential businesses, allowing them to keep producing beer. We also helped secure temporary ABC rule changes for curbside pickup, outdoor seating, and delayed tax reporting.

Permit Cancellation Crisis Averted (2023]

When the NC ABC unexpectedly canceled hundreds of on-premise permits for late renewal, the Guild worked directly with the ABC Commission to get an emergency extension, keeping breweries and taprooms open and in compliance.

Self-Distribution Limit Raised [2019]

The Craft Beer Distribution & Modernization Bill doubled the self-distribution cap from 25,000 to 50,000 barrels annually, allowing more small and mid-sized breweries to grow independently—without having to give up control of their distribution.

Big Wins in HB890 [2021]

The ABC Omnibus Bill (HB890) brought several important updates, including making outdoor seating expansions (like patios) permanent, allowing larger growlers, enabling local “Social Districts” for open-container areas, and improving tax exemptions for brewery equipment and ingredients.

Pop The Cap [2005]

A foundational moment for craft beer in NC: this bill raised the legal ABV limit from 6% to 15%, paving the way for the creative, high-gravity brews we enjoy today. It helped launch the modern craft beer movement in North Carolina.

PAC FAQS

  • The NC Craft Brewers Political Action Campaign (PAC) supports the political campaigns of candidates who are committed to understanding and championing the issues that impact our state’s craft beer industry.

    In a highly regulated industry such as beer, legislative decisions impact every aspect of our brewing industry. Because of this, it is critical that we support North Carolina candidates for public office who will take the time to understand our businesses, and recognize the economic impact that breweries bring to our communities across the state.

  • NC Craft Brewers PAC works to enhance craft breweries' abilities to operate effectively and profitably within North Carolina. This includes working with our NC legislators to:

    • Protect and expand the rights of craft beer manufacturers through legislative advocacy.

    • Clarify North Carolina’s beer laws, allowing the craft beer industry to conduct business efficiently and effectively.

    • Support and build craft brewing growth opportunities throughout North Carolina, allowing for substantial and sustained economic impact and job creation.

  • Honestly, probably. Beer is nonpartisan, and the NC Craft Brewers PAC is a nonpartisan organization singularly focused on improving North Carolina beer laws. That means that we will support the politicians who champion craft beer, regardless of party affiliation.

  • There are plenty of things to love about craft beer besides that majestic liquid inside of those cans, kegs and bottles. Craft breweries drive enormous economic impact, are champions of local communities and non-profits, and serve as family and community-friendly gathering spaces.

    Furthermore, growth in the craft beer industry not only supports the breweries themselves, but a large network of supporting and related industries including farmers, can and bottle manufacturers, equipment and machinery suppliers, merchandise and glassware companies, shipping and transportation, business services, wholesalers, and many retailers who sell craft beer like your favorite bars, restaurants, grocery stores, specialty bottle shops and local corner stores.

  • Under North Carolina law...

    • Contributions cannot exceed $6,400 per election cycle.

    • We are required to report the name, mailing address, employer and job title of anyone who contributes to the Political Action Committee (PAC).

    • Law requires that contributions to the PAC be made by individuals, not by corporations.

  • The contact information that you provide to NC Craft Brewers PAC will never be sold or shared with any unauthorized parties.

  • Contribute to NC Craft Brewers PAC with a simple online credit card payment at the top of this page.

    Rather write a check? Want to throw an event to support the NC Craft Brewers PAC? Have another question? Reach out HERE.

Help us grow North Carolina's independent craft brewing industry! If you or your company would have an interest in partnering with the NC Craft Brewers Guild to help support North Carolina's craft brewing industry, please reach out to: Russ Haddad, Business Development Manager, russ@ncbeer.org