Rep. Pyrtle files bill in North Carolina House on alcohol violation notices

A new bill filed by State Rep. Pyrtle seeks to improve notification requirements for permit holders about violations at licensed alcohol establishments, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 198 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Amend Law on Notice of ABC Violation.’

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

In essence, this bill amends the procedure for notifying permit holders of violations at establishments licensed to sell alcohol in North Carolina. It mandates that if an alcohol law enforcement agent or local ABC officer issues a citation to an employee—not the permit holder—at a permitted establishment, the agent or officer must notify the holder within five business days via electronic means or certified mail. Additionally, if the Commission receives reports of violations from agencies other than the state’s alcohol law enforcement division or local ABC officers, it must notify the permit holder within five business days of receiving such reports. The notification must detail the alleged violations and the employee involved. The bill becomes effective upon becoming law and applies to violations occurring thereafter.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Pyrtle proposed the most bills (15) 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.

Pyrtle graduated from Appalachian State University in 1989 with a BAS.

Pyrtle, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 65th House district, replacing previous state representative Jerry Carter.