N.C. State is likely to be among the schools that would be early adopters of new or expanded alcohol salesGETTY IMAGES
A bipartisan North Carolina House bill to "allow state universities to ramp up beer and wine sales on game days" has cleared its "first Senate committee hurdle," according to Richard Craver of the WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL. House Bill 389 would "expand sales and consumption at campus stadiums, arenas and athletic facilities -- if their boards of trustees approve," and mixed drinks "would be available at non-sports events if vendors have the right permit." The bill still "must clear Senate Commerce and Insurance, and Rules and Operations committees before going to a floor vote." Right now, sales and consumption of alcohol for those age 21 and older are "not legally permitted other than in certain areas" at N.C. public universities. State Sen. Chuck Edwards said the bill would “leave it to each university to determine whether alcohol sales work for them.” He "acknowledged that it is likely" East Carolina, N.C. State and UNC "would be early adopters of new or expanded sales." UNC Senior Associate AD/Marketing, Corporate Sponsorships & GoHeels Productions Rick Steinbacher said that the school's support for the bill "stems from two main reasons: the ability to control sales though a third-party vendor; and meeting fan expectations" (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL, 6/6).
