Rep. Cairns files bill in North Carolina House to modify alcohol laws

A new bill filed by State Rep. Cairns seeks to update North Carolina’s alcohol laws, including ABC store operations and regulations on alcohol consumption and sales, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 921 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill implements various modifications to North Carolina’s alcohol laws, including changes to ABC store operations, such as the display of North Carolina-produced spirits, authorization for mobile bar services at non-ABC permitted venues, and the removal of the prohibition against manufacturers providing draft line cleaning services. It permits ABC stores to open on Sundays with local government approval and introduces regulations for the distribution and sale of premixed cocktails. It also expands the number of game nights allowable by nonprofit organizations and removes restrictions on 50/50 raffles. Furthermore, the bill clarifies conditions under which alcoholic beverages can be consumed on permitted premises, amends requirements for temporary alcohol permits, and revises the law surrounding the sale of drinks in certain settings. Finally, it severs any invalid provisions without affecting the rest and takes effect upon becoming law, with certain sections taking effect on specified later dates.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr. proposed the most bills (38) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cairns graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA.

Cairns, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 13th House district, replacing previous state representative Patricia McElraft.