18B-906. Applicability of Administrative Procedure Act.

(a) Act Applies. - An ABC permit is a "license" within the meaning of G.S. 150B-2, and, except for revocation pursuant to G.S. 18B-904(e)(3) or for a confirmation pursuant to G.S. 18B-900(a)(8), a Commission action on issuance, suspension, or revocation of an ABC permit, other than a temporary permit issued under G.S. 18B-905, is a "contested case" subject to the provisions of Chapter 150B except as provided in this section.

(b) Exception on Hearing Location. - Hearings on ABC permits shall be held in Ahoskie, Asheville, Bryson City, Charlotte, Elizabeth City, Fayetteville, Franklin, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Jacksonville, Kinston, New Bern, Raleigh, Statesville, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem. Hearings shall be held within 100 miles, as best can be determined by the Commission, of the county seat of the county in which the licensed business or proposed business is located. The hearing may be held, however, at any place upon agreement of the Commission and all other parties.

(c) Exception on New Evidence. - In making a final decision in a contested case in which an issue is whether to deny an application for an ABC permit because either the applicant or the location for the proposed ABC permit is unsuitable, the Commission may hear evidence of acts that occurred after the date the contested case hearing was held if the evidence is admissible under G.S. 150B-29(a). New evidence heard under this subsection is not grounds for reversal or remand under G.S. 150B-51(a).