Asheville News

State Sen. Nesbitt helps move forward bill to allow distilleries to sell bottles in N.C.

Jason Sandford May 25, 2011

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Liquor bottles could be sold by North Carolina distilleries under legislation that would allow them to sell their products after visitors take a tour.

The Senate voted 32-18 on Monday in favor of permitting distilleries to sell what they make at the same price a customer would pay inside an Alcoholic Beverage Control store.

Sen. Martin Nesbitt of Asheville sought the bill to help a large distiller getting started in his area and to promote tourism. Sales could only occur in areas where ABC stores have been approved.

The distillery mentioned is under construction next to Highland Brewing’s operation in east Asheville.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

David LaMotte, former Black Mountain musician and now peace activist, arrested during Raleigh protest

‘The Hunger Games’ movie star zip lines with Vanessa Hudgens at Navitat Canopy tours outside Asheville

2 Comments

Media Watcher May 26, 2011

This post raises some media questions. The Business Week story on Sen. Nesbitt's bill was picked-up from the AP. Why didn't the AP reporter identify the "large distiller" getting started in the Asheville area? Why hasn't a local reporter picked-up on this and tracked this down?

The Hemlock Distillery (not a "large distillery") "troubles" would make a good local story, especially following the Citizen-Times series on "Small Business Week."

And is there a "trend story" on distilleries – large or micro – starting in "Beer City?" Enterprising editors and reporters?

Reply
Jesse Andrews May 25, 2011

I hope it's not the Hemlock. I was looking around for the one you were speaking of and found this piece of information on their blog. http://www.hemlockdistillery.blogspot.com/

Reply