"Party Keg" cartoon by Brent Brown

Party Keg

Lately, it seems as if certain multi-lettered agencies are following the letter of the law, more than the spirit, when it comes to spirits, and particularly malt beverages in beer-soaked Asheville and surrounding areas. Whether a result of too many alcohol-related fests too fast; poor communication from one side, the other, or both; or a new focus to step up enforcement; […]

Growing pains: Craft brewing comes of age

North Carolina has always had a complicated relationship with alcohol. However, alcohol has consistently been an economic driver in North Carolina, as it still is, with 130 craft breweries as of 2014 – the most of any Southern state. As the craft brewing industry in the region grows into a multimillion-dollar business, the desire to review the statutes and improve communication with state officials has come to the forefront.

Bier Garden fight defendant pleads guilty to lesser charges

Former Bier Garden employee Michael Plemmons, arrested after a controversial fracas with an Alcohol Law Enforcement agent, pleaded guilty on Dec. 15 to assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, resisting a public officer and simple assault, court documents show. Plemmons will serve 120 days supervised probation plus a year unsupervised. The charges […]