Statement regarding passage of S.B. 155, the ‘Brunch Bill,’
By Lynn Minges, President & CEO, North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association
“The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging community celebrates the passage today of S.B. 155, the ‘Brunch Bill,’ by the North Carolina General Assembly. This is an exciting new option for the hospitality industry. North Carolina joins 47 other states that allow some form of early Sunday sales of alcohol.
“The passage of S.B. 155 will help restaurants to better meet the needs of their guests, particularly where tourism drives business or where local residents demand more choices. In cities and counties that elect this option, restaurants will be able to meet customer demands, grow their businesses, create jobs, increase tax revenue and bring patrons into business districts earlier in the day.
“We thank the Senate bill sponsors, Sens. Rick Gunn, R-Burlington, Dan Blue, D-Wake, and Kathy Harrington, R-Gaston, as well as representatives who introduced the companion bill in the House, Reps. John Bradford, R-Mecklenburg, Ted Davis Jr., R-New Hanover, Jon Hardister, R-Guilford, and Duane Hall, D-Wake. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support. We hope Gov. Cooper will move quickly to sign S.B. 155 into law.”