AF Raleigh: North Carolina’s Onerous Wine & Beer Regulations
On December 4th, 2013, the Raleigh chapter of America’s Future Foundation hosted a wine tasting for young professionals at the Raleigh Wine Shop. Andy Ellen, President and General Counsel of the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, described onerous regulations placed by the state on the wine and beer industry to an engaged audience.
During his talk, Ellen showed attendees a thick book of regulations imposed by the North Carolina ABC Commission. These, he said, created a complex web of arbitrary regulations that made it hard for producers, distributors, and vendors to compete in the market. As Ellen spoke, the proprietor of the Raleigh Wine Shop stood behind the bar, nodding as he listened. The proprietor shared some stories of his own: North Carolina wines, he explained, were often harder to sell than other wines, because they must be distributed through wholesalers. State regulations also make it hard for business owners to advertise or promote their goods, as there is no volume discounts for purchase and displaying advertisements in the shop windows are prohibited.
Overall, the event was a success and sparked interest among the 25 attendees.
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Kathryn Shelton is the Director of Chapter Advancement for America’s Future.