Changes to liquor laws before NC House panel

RALEIGH, N.C. — The General Assembly is getting its first look at recommendations from a study panel that examined North Carolina’s liquor control laws.

The House’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee scheduled a meeting on Tuesday to consider the bill containing the recommendations. The measure would direct the state ABC Commission to set performance standards and training requirements for local ABC boards and their stores.

Reform efforts for local boards began after news reports that a liquor company employee treated Mecklenburg County ABC board employees and leaders to an extravagant dinner and how New Hanover County’s father-and-son store administrators got paid more than $400,000 combined.

Committee chairman Rep. Ray Warren said he expected the bill to be amended Tuesday to include recommendations from Gov. Beverly Perdue.

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