GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2003

SESSION LAW 2003-339

HOUSE BILL 1118

AN ACT to require signs to be posted warning of the possible dangers of consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 18B-203(a) is amended by adding the following new subdivision to read:

"(18) Provide for the distribution and posting of warning signs to local ABC boards regarding the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy as required under G.S. 18B-808."

SECTION 2.  Article 8 of Chapter 18B of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:

"§ 18B-808. Warning signs regarding dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy required; posting.

(a) Each ABC store shall display or cause to be displayed warning signs that meet the requirements of this section on the store's premises to inform the public of the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

(b) The Commission shall develop the warning signs in accordance with subsection (c) of this section and provide for their distribution and replacements to local ABC boards subject to the requirement of this section. The Commission may charge a reasonable fee, not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00), for each sign, including replacement signs.

(c) The signs required by this section shall:

(1) Be composed of black, capital letters printed on white paper at the minimum weight of one hundred ten pound index. The letters comprising the word 'WARNING' shall be highlighted black lettering and shall be larger than all other lettering on the sign.

(2) Contain the message: 'WARNING Pregnancy and alcohol do not mix. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects.'

(3) The size of the sign shall be at least eight and one-half inches by 14 inches.

(4) Contain a graphic depiction of the message to assist nonreaders in understanding the message. The depiction of a pregnant female shall be universal and shall not reflect a specific race or culture.

(5) Be in both English and Spanish.

(d) A local ABC board shall ensure that each ABC store manager displays the warning sign in an open and prominent place in the store within 30 days of receipt of the sign from the Commission."

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.  The Commission and each local ABC board shall be in full compliance with the requirements of this act no later than six months after the day the bill becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 9^th day of July, 2003.

                                                                    s/ Beverly E. Perdue

                                                                         President of the Senate

                                                                    s/ James B. Black

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/ Michael F. Easley

                                                                         Governor

Approved 6:57 p.m. this 20^th day of July, 2003