H1196

Require Free Water in Bars

Introduced·4/30/26

North Carolina H1196 mandates bars to provide free drinking water to customers upon request.

North Carolina H1196 requires bars with on-premises permits to offer free drinking water to customers who ask for it. This applies to permit holders for malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, and mixed beverages. The water must meet federal and state purity standards and be provided in suitable containers. The bill also allocates funds for informational posters to inform permit holders about this requirement. The provision is effective retroactively to July 1, 2025, for certain sections.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
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Where it stands

Current
Appropriations Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DDDDDDD
7
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

May 5

House

Passed 1st Reading

May 5

House

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

Apr 30

House

Filed