RALEIGH, NC (Jan. 4, 2024) — To help bar owners understand the new public health rules and regulations going into effect in 2024, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) is hosting the Navigating New Public Health Regulations for NC Bars webinar on Monday, Jan. 29 at 1:30 p.m. EST.
The webinar will include a review and discussion about the new health permit requirements for bars that serve food. Panelists will also answer questions for bar owners about establishments that only serve garnishes on drinks and sell unopened commercial snack packages, which are not subject to these requirements.
When House Bill 125 was signed into law last year, many business owners were unaware of the potential consequences they would be facing to come into compliance. The new legislation amended the definition of a bar which went into effect two years ago when House Bill 768 removed the requirement for patrons to become a member at private bars in North Carolina. The removal of the “private bar” distinction meant that all bars—including the bar areas of restaurants and hotels—were grouped into one category that were exempt from inspections.
“When restaurants and hotels are built, owners know the food safety standards and build them in from the ground up as a part of the plan,” said Lynn Minges, President & CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association. “The challenge with the new legislation is that without a lot of lead time, many bar owners who have never been through the inspection process will have to go back and retrofit their businesses, or stop serving food, and that could be very costly.”
NCRLA has supported the food safety changes and has also advocated on behalf of bar owners for clarification from the state. In the meantime, NCDHHS delayed implementation until March 27, 2024 to allow business owners time to get into compliance with the new law.
Details
- Event: Navigating New Public Health Regulations for Bars Webinar
- Date: Jan. 29, 1:30 p.m.
- Registration: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
- Panelists:
- NCDHHS Public Health Branch Head Shane Smith
- NCRLA’s Food Safety and Lodging Regulations Specialist Carolyn Griffin and
- Hardy Lewis, Attorney specializing in ABC Law
About NCRLA
NCRLA is the driving force behind the state’s $33 billion hospitality industry. Our mission is to protect, educate, and promote the North Carolina hospitality industry. We will continue to serve as the recognized voice of North Carolina restaurants, hotels, and taverns on policy-related issues at all levels of government. For questions about NCRLA’s legislative goals and achievements, contact us.
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