COVID-19 FAQ's for NC Breweries

 

COVID-19 FAQ’s for NC Breweries

 

What should I do if I have an employee who tests positive, or has been exposed to, COVID-19?


Are state and federal agencies offering any tax payment relief or extended payment deadlines to me or my business?

  • IRS -  The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have extended the federal income tax filing due date from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax. More information can be found at:  https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

  • N.C. Department of Revenue -  On Mar 21, 2020 the NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) announced that they will extend the April 15 tax filing deadline to July 15 for individual, corporate, and franchise taxes. More information can be found at:  https://www.ncdor.gov/home/ncdor-actions-covid-19


Has North Carolina issued revised guidance regarding the Major Disaster Exemption for unsaleable product? 

Can I deliver beer direct-to-consumers?  

  • Yes.  Retail TTB license holders are allowed to deliver beer and wine under the provisions of that retail license.  

    • Delivery drivers must have completed ABC delivery training and carry proof of training when making deliveries. 

    • Deliveries have to be completed during the hours allowed for retail sales.

    • Sales transactions must be made at the location of the TTB retail license, either in-person, by phone, or virtually via the company website.

    • Deliveries must be made to a 21+ year old person who immediately takes possession of the product. We strongly recommend checking the recipient’s ID. No deliveries to intoxicated persons are allowed.

    • Delivery of alcoholic beverages in a package which may obscure the manufacturer’s original packaging shall have affixed to the outside of the package a notice in 26-point type or larger stating: ‘CONTAINS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AGE VERIFICATION REQUIRED.’

    • For complete NCCBG guidance on deliveries, visit https://www.ncbeer.org/docs/Brewers_Guild_-_Guidelines_for_complying_with_delivery_service_statute_00083370_1_1.pdf

 

Where can I find information regarding applying for NC unemployment benefits?

  • Please review this comprehensive guidance on applying for North Carolina unemployment benefits:  https://www.ncbeer.org/docs/COVID-19_Unemployment_Benefits.pdf

  • NOTE:  Please be advised that due to high call volume, the most efficient way to file for unemployment benefits is online.  That said, even the online system is currently overwhelmed with applications. Please be patient, and know that the system is operational, and your needs will ultimately be met.

 

Can I ship beer to consumers?

  • Yes.  Under the provisions of your On-Premises Malt Beverage Permit you may ship beer to a consumers’ home intrastate using a common carrier (UPS or FedEx). Per GS §18B-1001....(2) Off-Premises Malt Beverage Permit. – An off-premises malt beverage permit authorizes (i) the retail sale of malt beverages in the manufacturer's original container for consumption off the premises, (ii) the retail sale of malt beverages in a cleaned and sanitized container that is filled or refilled and sealed for consumption off the premises and that identifies the permittee and the date the container was filled or refilled, and (iii) the holder of the permit to ship malt beverages in closed containers to individual purchasers inside and outside the State.

 

Do my employees need official documentation to travel or conduct business during COVID-19 restrictions on travel and congregation, such as “shelter-in-place,” “stay-at-home” and similar ordinances and proclamations?

  • While we had originally been informed that our industry should secure Re-Entry Certificates, the head of NC Emergency Management stated that his department will not be issuing re-entry passes for the coronavirus pandemic, instead leaving management to local authorities. 

    That said, the N.C. Department of Agriculture has issued us a "Notice of Essential Food and Agriculture Employee" authorization.  We recommend that that you print and execute one document for each of your employees. This should allow your folks on the road to conduct business, and travel to & from work. (Download Document Here.)

 

Does my business qualify for Federal Disaster Assistance funding?

 

Can you confirm that Breweries are “essential businesses” and will be able to continue off-premise sales (carry-out, curbside pickup, & delivery) under a “stay at home” or “shelter in place” order? 

  • As noted in the NCCBG updates, at the federal and level, beverage manufacturers are classified under the critical industry sector of Food & Agriculture, which sets a precedent for the state to follow. At this time, stay at home orders in NC are being made on a county/town basis (piece-meal versus state-wide), and each has the authority to set their own provisions within those orders.  That said, all stay at home orders passed in NC thus far, are still allowing curbside pick-up & carry-out of food & beverage for consumption off-premises (ie. at home.) 

I've heard that NC breweries can assist in the production of hand sanitizer.  What are the details?
  • North Carolina distilleries are assisting with COVID-19 public health efforts by aiding in the production of hand sanitizer for first responders. Due to equipment requirements, most North Carolina distilleries will find it challenging to produce the high ethanol required to meet WHO standards and FDA guidelines. To that end, most distilleries are now seeking supplies of isopropyl alcohol to use in hand sanitizer production. Additionally, there are a few NC distilleries that have the equipment necessary to distill out-of-date beer into the ethanol used for hand sanitizer production.
  • For more information, please read our full info page at:  https://www.ncbeer.org/docs/Hand_Sanitizer_Production_1_3_1.pdf

What North Carolina counties are under a Stay-at-Home order?  What are the details of my county/city's order?   

Are there any grant opportunities for small businesses affected by COVID-19?

  • Facebook Small Business Grants Program  - Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries due to the effects of COVID-19. Sign up for more info
  • The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved an Emergency Small Business funding program for Orange County small businesses experiencing revenue loss due to the coronavirus pandemic in the form of both grants and loans. The County will offer zero interest loans up to $20,000 with loan repayment over five years to eligible applicants. Grants will be awarded up to $5,000 to eligible applicants. An applicant can receive a maximum amount of $25,000 in the form of a loan and grant. The County will accept applications through April 10, 2020