Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Bar Owners Association
910-886-2262
executiveboard@ncbarowners.org
http://ncbarowners.org

RELEASE DATE: 04/20/2021

NCBOA MEETS WITH CITY OF GREENSBORO OVER SECURITY

North Carolina Bar Owners Association (NCBOA), a non-profit 501c6 organization founded by bar owners from across the state. We are a bipartisan group of bar owners working together towards a common goal. Most importantly, equal treatment to other ABC permit holders throughout the State of North Carolina.

NCBOA was asked by the City of Greensboro to help craft a new security ordinance. This is not the first time the city has looked at a security ordinance, however, this is the first time they have asked for help from bar owners.

NCBOA proposes 6 key concepts for the City to consider. With systems and oversight already in place from the NC ABC Commission, Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the City itself; NCBOA and Greensboro Bar Owners look to be a partner with the City to ensure these systems are properly managed and utilized.  NCBOA and Greensboro bar owners suggest a new system to permit 3rd party promoters as a proactive measure and effective placement of law enforcement resources in highly trafficked nightlife areas during peak times to maintain public safety.

On Wednesday, April 21st at 2 pm, NCBOA, Greensboro ABC permittees, stakeholders, and city officials will hold a virtual meeting to discuss plans and concerns.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtdeGprj4sEtaKq2JVaFjBUsf0ELX8b1HS

For more information on Greensboro’s Security Ordinance and NCBOA’s proposal, please visit our website at https://ncbarowners.org/gsosafetyordinance/

January 22, 2021

Governor Roy Cooper,

The North Carolina Bar Owners Association says enough is enough. We 1063 Private Bar Owners have had enough of being the ONLY business in North Carolina that cannot allow customers inside. We have had enough of the other 6000 ABC permittees being able to operate, including the State-owned ABC stores, while we remain closed. We have had enough of being blamed for spreading Covid-19 while we have not even been open. We have had enough of being told “science and data” show that we should remain closed, while zero “science and data” has been provided to evidence those claims. We have had enough of watching your administration destroy the lives of thousands of people.

The NC Bar Owners Association understands we are experiencing a pandemic. However, we can and should be allowed the opportunity to operate safely and responsibly just as the other 6000 ABC permittees statewide have been since May 22nd. Continuing to keep us closed is complete economic discrimination.

Even though you are aware but have never acknowledged, Private Bars provide thousands of jobs in this state. We pay hefty state taxes. In addition, we support charities, sponsor sports teams, and supply a very real sense of family and community for the customers and communities we operate in.

It is well past time to reopen us, Governor. Our pleas to grant us the opportunity to even discuss it has been and continue to be, ignored. For months. Over 10 to be exact. We are capable and responsible business owners and citizens of NC.

Other policymakers are now calling for bars and restaurants to operate again. Mayor Lightfoot of Chicago recently began pushing for the immediate reopening of bars. As she correctly states, Covid-19 is being spread in HOMES AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES, which the NCDHHS’s own data shows. People are gathering in homes while bars are closed, whereas we are used to regulating our crowds, even pre-COVID. We can enforce social distancing and provide sanitation policies the same, if not better, than EVERY OTHER business allowed to operate. It is blatant prejudice that you have refused to allow us to earn a living, provide for our families and contribute to the economy over the last 10+ months solely via your “Executive Order”.

Enough is enough. Stop the unequal treatment and REOPEN Private Bars today.

Sincerely,
Danielle Bull, President / Jason Ruth, Vice President
Tiffany Howell, Treasurer / Drew Wofford, Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Bar Owners Association
910-886-2262
executiveboard@ncbarowners.org
http://ncbarowners.org

RELEASE DATE: 01/21/2021

NC ABC COMMISSION RESPONDS TO CANCELED BAR PERMITS

The North Carolina Bar Owners Association (NCBOA) was made aware on January 14th approximately 120 Private Bar permits from across the State of North Carolina had been canceled without notice on January 4th 2021.

Due to the closure of private bars since March 16 2020, private bars were given a permit fee deferment option by the NC legislature and the ABC commission; to defer permit fees until 90 days after private bars were allowed to re-open.

On October 2nd 2020, Governor Roy Cooper allowed private bars to operate at 30% of outdoor occupancy only.  This was not inclusive of ALL private bars.  The vast majority were still not allowed to open due to these restrictions and lack of outdoor space.

It appears the ABC commission determined this 90 days deferment period began with the October 2nd order, regardless of the bars ability to operate or not.

The North Carolina Bar Owners Association immediately confronted the issue.  NCBOA Vice-President Jay Ruth spoke with the NCABC Commission and the ABC Commission has now updated the erroneously canceled permits from a “canceled” status to “inactive COVID-19” status on the NCABC website.

NCABC Commission Chairman Zander Guy pledged in a letter sent directly to NCBOA on January 15th in response to the cancellations to work with the bars and “does not intend to add any obstacles at the time you and fellow bar owners are ready to re-open for business with active ABC permits.” 

The North Carolina Bar Owners Association is working with the NC Legislature to ensure this issue is properly corrected and permit holders will be able to seamlessly reinstate their permits penalty free and without difficulty.

The North Carolina Bar Owners Association was formed in October by bar owners from across the state and is not affiliated with any other previously formed organization.  The attention to this issue and timely response is a direct result of the work from NCBOA’s Board of Directors and members. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Bar Owners Association
910-886-2262
executiveboard@ncbarowners.org
http://ncbarowners.org

RELEASE DATE: 01/04/2021

NC ABC COMMISSION CANCELS PRIVATE BAR PERMITS

(WINSTON SALEM, NC, JAN 14, 2021) – The North Carolina Bar Owners Association has been made aware that approximately 120 Private Bar permits from across the State of North Carolina have been canceled without notice as of Jan 4, 2021.

Due to the closure of private bars since March 16, 2020, private bars were given a permit fee deferment option by the NC legislature and the ABC commission; to defer permit fees until 60 days after private bars were allowed to re-open.

On October 2, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper allowed private bars to operate at 30% of outdoor occupancy only. This was not inclusive of ALL private bars. The vast majority were still not allowed to open due to these restrictions and lack of outdoor space.

It appears the ABC commission has determined this 60-day deferment period began with the October 2nd order, regardless of the bar’s ability to operate or not.No notice was provided to these private bar owners that their permits were in jeopardy of being canceled for failure to pay. At this time, we have heard from owners across the state who have been visited by local and state law enforcement with orders to close their bars immediately or face penalties and charges.

Yet another detrimental action aimed at private bars in the state, which have taken the greatest burden of the pandemic and economic restrictions.

We call for immediate action from Governor Roy Cooper, NC legislation and the NC ABC Commission to take whatever action necessary to reinstate these bars’ permits and save thousands of jobs and livelihoods that have been, and continue to be, destroyed by these restrictions and discriminatory treatment from the other 6000 plus alcohol permitted establishments in the state.

Download the current list with bar permits currently canceled that we have found so far.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NC Bar Owners Association
910-886-2262
executiveboard@ncbarowners.org
http://ncbarowners.org

RELEASE DATE: 12/23/2020

FORMATION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA BAR OWNERS ASSOCIATION

We are pleased to announce the formation of the North Carolina Bar Owners Association (NCBOA), a non-profit 501c6 organization founded by bar owners from across the state. We are a bipartisan group of bar owners working together towards a common goal. Most importantly, equal treatment to other ABC permits holders throughout the State of North Carolina.

Our Founders and Initial Board of Directors are:

• Piedmont Triad: Danielle Bull – Bull’s Tavern – Winston Salem
• Tiffany Howell – Burke St. Pub and
• Tee Time Sports & Spirits – Winston-Salem
• Drew Wofford – Chemistry Nightclub – Greensboro
• Bryan Wheelock – Tailgators – Greensboro
• Eastern NC: Jay Ruth – Tinyz Tavern – Wilmington
• Matthew Morel – Emerald Isle Club – Emerald Isle
• Western NC: Benjamin Reese – Off the Wagon – Asheville
• Central NC: Tony Basford-PLUS Dueling Piano Bar – Raleigh

The members of the NCBOA Board have been working behind the scenes to launch this organization for several months. Yesterday, individually and on behalf of our businesses, we filed a lawsuit against Governor Cooper and the State of North Carolina in Carteret County. We are represented by Attorney Chuck Kitchen. Please direct all questions regarding the legal proceedings to our counsel directly by phone at 888-308-3708 or by email at ckitchen@ktlawnc.com.

The future of our industry is at stake.  We have never had a lobbying presence in Raleigh and it shows. Bars in the state of NC have been left out and left behind. NCBOA is founded by bar owners, for bar owners, managed by bar owners, here to protect bar owners and our lives’ work, and most importantly, the future of the bar industry in our state.

Now more than ever it is CRITICAL that we have a strong presence in the NCGA and people fighting for us on all fronts to ensure our collaborative voices are heard and that our industry survives. 

NCBOA aims to serve as a resource and voice for bar owners across the state. We will work closely with state and local officials to build better relationships, advocate for changes within the NCABC system, and educate the public on who we are and what we really do.

Bars are integral parts of our communities.  We provide jobs, pay taxes, host fundraisers, promote inclusion and diversity, provide a sense of friendship and fellowship, and most of all specialize in the HUMAN experience.  

Our agenda is clear and our leadership transparent.  Keeping ALL members up to date and informed at every turn is our promise.  Ensuring the future and equal treatment of bars in NC is our goal. In addition to our legislative agenda, we plan to further expand our organization to include subgroups based on geographic regions or commonalities.

Membership is open to bar owners, bar managers, bartenders, and bar staff. Membership dues support fees to keep our lobbyists active in the NCGA and our platform at the forefront of any discussion that impacts our industry. Our first meeting via Zoom will be hosted Monday December 28th at 2pm, it will be open to Private Bar ABC permittees only. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at the email address provided below.

We hired a brilliant lobbyist who is well versed in the unique set of needs our businesses face. We are currently working on an ambitious legislative agenda which will help our immediate needs for financial relief and fairness and are working toward long term goals to help our industry post pandemic. Our initial group of eight were able to pool our money together to fund the legal proceedings but we are asking for community support to raise money for our lobbying efforts. Please visit our website at www.ncbarowners.org.