February 2003 — A group of 35 beer connoisseurs joined forces, founding the “Pop the Cap” campaign to challenge North Carolina’s then-current law (G.S.18B-101), which limited the alcohol by volume of all beer and wine to six percent.

Feb. 17, 2005 — Four North Carolina representatives enter a bill to the general assembly that would “amend the definition of a malt beverage under the alcoholic beverage control laws.”

Late March 2005 — Mutual Distributing Company, a North Carolina distributor of beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages, takes a stand against the bill. North Carolina beer drinkers boycott Mutual’s products, including Carolina Pale Ale. “Pop the Cap” never officially endorsed the boycott.

Aug. 3, 2005 — The state Senate approves House Bill 392 on its third reading, 27-21.

Aug. 13, 2005 — Gov. Mike Easley signs House Bill 392 into State Law 2005-277, raising the alcohol by volume allowance from a maximum six percent to 15 percent.

Afterward — Beer manufacturers are permitted to produce beer over six percent alcohol by volume. According to John Shuck at Carolina Brewing Company, brands distributed by Mutual Distributing felt the boycott in their sales even after the law changed.