If you plan to sell or serve alcohol on your farm—whether at a tasting room, farm dinner, festival, or through a winery, cidery, or brewery—you must obtain the appropriate state-issued ABC permits. The type of permit you need depends on your business model, location, and whether the alcohol is produced on-site.
Important: Before applying for an ABC permit, check with your county’s planning and zoning office to ensure your farm is in compliance. This is especially important for beer and wine permits, which often require local zoning approval.
You can also contact the General Counsel’s Office at the NC ABC Commission for guidance. Main ABC Commission Number: (919) 779-0700
Common Permit Types for Farms:
- Limited Special Occasion Permit – For one-time events like farm-to-table dinners, weddings, or seasonal festivals.
- Retail Permit – For ongoing alcohol sales at a farm store, tasting room, or event venue.
- Commercial Permit – For farms producing alcohol (e.g., wineries, breweries, cideries, or distilleries).
- Special Event Permit – For off-site sales or sampling at farmers markets or festivals.
How to Apply:
- NC ABC Permit Application Portal
- Permit Forms & Instructions
- Schedule an Appointment with a Permit Specialist
Additional Requirements:
- Your farm must be located in a jurisdiction that allows alcohol sales. Use the Legal Sales Area Search Tool to verify.
- You may need local government approval (zoning, inspections, etc.) before applying.
- Some permits require fingerprinting and background checks