NC H278

Increases the small brewery production limit from 25,000 barrels to 100,000 barrels annually before a brewery must use a wholesale distributor to distribute its products.

Allows qualifying breweries to sell malt beverages to consumers at the brewery, to wholesalers, retailers, and exporters without needing a wholesale distributor, provided they stay within the 100,000 barrel annual limit.

Permits breweries not exceeding the 100,000 barrel threshold to operate up to three additional retail locations in North Carolina where sales are legal, upon obtaining appropriate permits.

Requires breweries operating additional retail locations under this provision to offer a reasonable selection of competitive malt beverage products for sale at those locations.

Effective upon becoming law.