To: Senator Norm Sanderson, Representative Celeste Cairns and North Carolina General
Assembly

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and patrons, respectfully petition for the de-annexation
of Bogue Sound Distillery from the Town of Bogue.

Background:
Bogue Sound Distillery is a $15 million investment that has brought jobs, tourism, and economic vitality
to our area. Despite operating as a responsible business, the Distillery faces ongoing obstacles from
the Town of Bogue that threaten its viability and growth.

Reasons for De-Annexation:
1. Unstable Zoning Status
The Town refuses to grant permanent business zoning, instead maintaining the Distillery under "special
use" designation. This volatile status makes the business unsellable and puts millions of dollars in
investment at constant risk of being revoked without cause.

2. Arbitrary and Inconsistent Restrictions on Live Entertainment
For seven years, the Distillery operated live music without issue. The Town never required a special
use permit for entertainment and even held its own town events at the Distillery. The business has
always operated responsibly-offering outdoor music from 6-9 PM and indoor music from 7-10 PM
(never both simultaneously), well within the county's 11 PM noise ordinance.

In 2022, the Town approved permits for the outdoor bar, stage, bathroom, and fire pits-infrastructure
specifically designed for outdoor entertainment. Then, without explanation, the Town abruptly shut
down all live music and demanded a special use permit. While the Town partially reversed this decision
to allow indoor music, it has rejected every application for outdoor entertainment. The outdoor space
the Town itself permitted now sits largely unused. Live music is essential to the Distillery's business
model, driving patron visits and supporting local musicians' livelihoods.

3. Unsubstantiated Noise Complaints
Town officials claim "many, many" noise complaints have been filed. However, the Carteret County
Sheriff's Office, which provides policing for Bogue, confirms zero complaints have ever been filed
regarding noise at the Distillery.

4. Regulatory Overreach Beyond Town Authority
The Town now claims the Distillery's septic system is not up to code, despite having no authority over
septic systems and no code enforcement officer. Environmental Services has reviewed the septic
system and confirmed it is well within compliance for the current occupancy rating of 80 people. The
Distillery has proactively applied to upgrade the system for future expansion plans, demonstrating
responsible business practices and forward planning. The Town's claims are both factually wrong and
outside its jurisdiction.

5. Hostile Regulatory Environment
The Town's regulatory stance prevents business expansion and threatens jobs. The special use permit
can be revoked at any time, giving the Town complete control over whether this business can continue
operating. After seven years of peaceful coexistence, the Town's sudden shift to restrictive and
inconsistent enforcement-often in areas where it has no legal authority-creates an untenable
business environment.

What We're Asking:
We request that the North Carolina General Assembly approve legislation to de-annex Bogue Sound
Distillery from the Town of Bogue. This action will:

• Protect a significant economic investment and the jobs it provides
• Preserve live music opportunities for local musicians and patrons
• Allow the business to fully utilize its facilities and expand to serve the community
• Remove the business from an adversarial regulatory environment that stifles legitimate
  economic activity
• End inappropriate regulatory overreach by a municipality acting beyond its authority

Signed,