ABC Permits for Malt Beverages and Unfortified Wine

ABC permits for malt beverages and unfortified wine were recently on the ballot in Haywood County. The unofficial election results are that the measures passed.

Haywood County will, if the votes are certified by the State Board of Elections and everything is approved by the State ABC Commission, begin signing the local opinion letters. This is to describe how the local process will work in connection with the State ABC Commission permits.

THIS APPLIES ONLY TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE TOWNS OF CANTON, CLYDE, MAGGIE VALLEY AND WAYNESVILLE. PLEASE CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE TOWN AS TO THEIR PERMITTING PROCESS.

ABC Permit Procedure:

1. Applicants for permits should print off paperwork from ABC website – abc.nc.gov/Permit/Apply. This includes the appropriate permit application and forms. The applicant should review all necessary matters with the State ABC Commission.

2. Applicants should have fingerprint cards completed at the Sheriff’s Office.

3. Applicants should stop by the Inspections Office – set up for fire and building inspection (Inspections have a fee), and have the Fire Marshal, Building Inspector and County Planner sign the application on the appropriate forms.

4. Applicants should submit all completed paperwork packet with notarization in applicable sections, along with all inspection forms to the County Manager’s Office. A copy or an electronic version is acceptable as long as it is complete. The County Manager’s office does not need the fingerprint card. Although the Local Government opinion is the form that will be signed, we ask to review the entire application because of the due diligence requirement the County has under the law.

5. The County Manager will review and notify when it is ready to be picked up. (Should be within 10 days). The County Manager will discuss the location with the Sheriff’s Office.

6. A copy of any ABC application will be maintained on file.

7. The applicant will need to submit the entire packet to the State with all applicable fees.

8. The State ABC Commission issues the permit, and is the best source of information about what the State needs.