NC S344

Authorizes the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to issue Common Area Entertainment Permits to shopping mall owners with at least one licensed alcohol tenant, allowing customers to consume purchased alcoholic beverages in designated indoor or outdoor common areas.

Requires shopping mall owners to designate consumption areas with physical barriers (rope, fencing, or other temporary barriers), post signage indicating the location and hours, and submit plats or detailed maps to the Commission for approval before issuance and with at least 10 days notice before any adjustments.

Limits alcoholic beverages to paper or plastic cups bearing the licensed premises' name or logo with a maximum of 16 fluid ounces per cup, and customers may possess only one beverage at a time within the designated area.

Restricts consumption to hours permitted under state law, prohibits beverages purchased from other tenants or brought from outside the mall, and requires customers to dispose of drinks before exiting the designated area.

Sets the application fee for a Common Area Entertainment Permit at $750.00 and makes the act effective September 1, 2019.