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.