Delegates passed a bill that would continue the kind of flexibility with beer, wine and liquor sales that has been allowed during the covid-19 pandemic.
The bill passed 80-18. It now goes to the state Senate.
“This is a rather large freedom bill,” said House Government Organization Committee Chairman Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh.
House Bill 2025 would make a variety of allowances, including the continued delivery or pick-up of alcoholic beverages with food orders. Another provision is continuing to allow people sit outside with their drinks in designated areas.
Those kinds of allowances started during the pandemic when people were asked to stay home and while businesses had to find new ways to operate.
Delegates today approved an amendment offered by Delegate John Paul Hott, R-Grant, allowing alcohol sales through drive-through windows.
Delegate Wayne Clark, R-Jefferson, said the bill would help put businesses on equal footing with competitors across the border. He described breweries, wineries and distilleries just across the border in Loudoun County, Va., that do brisk business.
“HB 2025 will lower the barrier for new craft breweries, distilleries in our state,” Clark told delegates. “Why not keep government out of the way permanently?”
Delegate Tom Fast, R-Fayette, made a lengthy speech describing the dangers of alcohol abuse. “I might be talking to a brick wall here; I don’t know,” he said.
But, Fast said, “I think there’s a point to draw the line. This body has passed so many alcohol bills the past six years it’s unbelievable. This one here takes the cake.”
Delegate Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, said he didn’t want Fast to be the only one to speak up.
“I did not come here to expand alcohol accessibility and consumption,” said Pinson, a pastor who was elected for the first time last year. “I believe the bill went too far. It’s 110 pages.”