Theo Nash
North Carolina has a robust alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a growing community of local distilleries. However, the state has strict alcohol laws. Alcohol sales are overseen by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC), and products are exclusively sold through locally operated ABC stores. These stores are closed on Sundays, and alcohol sales are prohibited until 10 a.m. on that day. On other days, alcohol sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol sales on Sundays | Alcohol can be sold, served, and consumed after 10 am on Sundays. |
| Alcohol sales during the week | Alcohol sales are permitted from Monday to Saturday between 7 am and 2 am. |
| Liquor sales | Liquor is only sold at ABC stores, which are closed on Sundays. |
| Beer and wine sales | Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores. Beer is also available at gas stations from 7 am to 2 am. |
| Happy hours | Happy hours with discounted drinks are not allowed. However, food specials and large-quantity alcoholic options for two or more patrons are permitted. |
| Open containers | Open containers are allowed in public but only in certain places, such as the trunk of a car or the back of an SUV. |
| Dry counties | Graham County in western North Carolina is the only dry county in the state, where the sale of alcohol is illegal. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol sales on Sundays begin at 10 a.m
North Carolina has a robust alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a growing community of local distilleries. However, it is known for having strict alcohol laws. Alcohol sales on Sundays begin at 10 a.m. in restaurants and other businesses licensed to sell alcohol, such as bars. This is due to the "brunch bill" of 2017, signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper, which changed the previous rule that prohibited alcohol sales before noon on Sundays.
It is important to note that North Carolina is one of only four states that require liquor stores, specifically ABC stores, to close on Sundays. ABC stands for Alcoholic Beverage Control, and these stores are the exclusive sellers of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption. So, while you can purchase alcohol from a restaurant or bar on a Sunday morning, you won't be able to buy liquor from a store until Monday.
The state has other unique laws regarding alcohol sales. For example, North Carolina is one of eight states that do not allow "happy hours," where drinks are discounted for a specific period. However, businesses can offer drink specials if the discount lasts the whole day and is offered to all customers. Additionally, establishments can sell large-quantity alcoholic options, such as margarita pitchers and beer buckets, to two or more patrons.
Another interesting law is that you can carry open containers in public, but only in certain places. Drinking alcohol is not allowed in passenger areas of vehicles, and open containers with broken seals are prohibited in these areas. This includes any area within the reach of a seated driver or passenger, such as the glove compartment.
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Liquor can only be purchased from ABC stores
North Carolina has a robust alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a growing community of local distilleries. However, the state has strict alcohol laws. One notable regulation is that liquor can only be purchased from ABC stores.
The acronym "ABC" stands for Alcoholic Beverage Control, which "provides uniform control over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption, and possession of all alcoholic beverages in the state." There are 171 local ABC boards that own and operate the ABC stores throughout the state. These stores are run by the state and serve as the exclusive sellers of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption.
The state's liquor market operates under a strictly regulated system, with the local ABC boards working closely with the North Carolina ABC Commission to enforce regulations, manage inventory, and implement statewide policies. This means that liquor sales are limited to ABC stores, and these stores are closed on Sundays.
While beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, liquor and other spirits are restricted to ABC stores. This distinction is important to note for those looking to purchase alcohol in North Carolina, especially on Sundays when liquor stores are closed. It's worth mentioning that North Carolina was one of the last states to allow alcohol sales on Sundays, with the 2017 "brunch bill" permitting alcohol sales in restaurants starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays.
In summary, North Carolina's alcohol laws dictate that liquor can only be purchased from ABC stores. These stores are run by the state and are closed on Sundays, so planning ahead is necessary for those looking to buy liquor in the state.
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Beer and wine can be bought at grocery stores
North Carolina has a robust alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a growing community of local distilleries. The state has strict alcohol laws, including restrictions on the sale of liquor on Sundays.
The availability of beer and wine at grocery stores is a result of the state's evolving alcohol laws. In 2017, the "brunch bill" was signed into law, allowing restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages earlier on Sundays, starting at 10 am. This bill was later expanded to include grocery stores, convenience markets, and other licensed establishments, giving them the ability to sell beer and wine on Sundays.
The inclusion of grocery stores in the "brunch bill" has had a significant impact on the accessibility of beer and wine in North Carolina. Residents and visitors now have more options for purchasing these beverages, especially on Sundays when ABC liquor stores are closed. This change in legislation has also contributed to the growth of the state's alcohol industry, with increased sales and revenue.
While beer and wine can be conveniently purchased at grocery stores, it's important to note that North Carolina has specific regulations regarding alcohol sales. These regulations include restrictions on happy hours and the prohibition of open containers in vehicles. Additionally, the sale of alcohol in North Carolina is limited to specific hours, typically between 7 am and 2 am, Monday through Saturday, and after 10 am on Sundays. These regulations aim to promote responsible drinking and ensure the safe distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the state.
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Alcohol cannot be consumed in the passenger areas of vehicles
North Carolina has a robust alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a growing community of local distilleries. However, the state has strict alcohol laws, including those pertaining to sales on Sundays.
Until 2017, alcohol sales on Sundays were prohibited until noon. However, the "brunch bill" was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper, allowing restaurants and other licensed establishments to begin serving alcoholic beverages at 10 a.m. on Sundays. This change also included grocery stores, convenience markets, private clubs, and any other place licensed to sell alcohol.
Despite this change, North Carolina is one of only four states that require liquor stores, specifically ABC stores, to remain closed on Sundays. ABC stands for Alcoholic Beverage Control, and these stores are the exclusive sellers of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption. Therefore, while certain types of alcohol can be purchased after 10 a.m. on Sundays from bars, restaurants, or other licensed businesses, liquor itself is not available for purchase on Sundays due to the closure of ABC stores.
In addition to the regulations on Sunday sales, North Carolina has several other unique alcohol-related laws. One notable law is that open containers of alcohol are not allowed in the passenger areas of vehicles. This means that once the seal on an alcoholic beverage is broken, it cannot be kept in areas designed to seat the driver and passengers or within their reach, including the glove compartment. This law is in place to prevent the consumption of alcohol in these areas and ensure safe driving practices.
North Carolina also has rules regarding happy hours and drink specials. Establishments are only allowed to offer food specials during happy hour, and any drink specials must last the entire day and be offered to all customers. While businesses can sell large-quantity alcoholic options, such as pitchers or buckets, these must be sold to multiple patrons and not as a single serving.
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North Carolina has strict alcohol laws
Firstly, North Carolina is one of only four states that require liquor stores to close on Sundays. This means that liquor cannot be purchased until after 10 a.m. on Sundays, and only from a bar, restaurant, or other business licensed to serve alcohol. This is due to a 2017 "Brunch Bill", which was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper. Before this bill, alcohol sales were not allowed on Sundays until noon. The bill also expanded to include grocery stores, convenience markets, private clubs, and any other place licensed to sell alcohol.
Secondly, North Carolina is one of eight states that do not allow "happy hours", where drinks are discounted for a specific period. However, there is an exception to this rule. Businesses can offer a package deal for food or entertainment, including alcoholic beverages, on four days of the year: New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day. Additionally, businesses can offer drink specials, but the discount must last the whole day and be offered to all customers.
Thirdly, North Carolina has strict rules regarding the sale of alcohol in certain counties and the transportation of alcohol. Until 2021, Graham County was the state's last "dry" county, meaning the sale of alcohol was illegal. Additionally, open containers of alcohol are not allowed in the passenger areas of vehicles, including the glove compartment.
Finally, North Carolina has specific regulations for the types of alcohol that can be sold and by whom. Liquor is only sold at ABC stores, which are run by the state. Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, and beer is available at gas stations between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Wineries can apply for a wine shipper permit, allowing them to sell and ship up to two cases of wine per month to individuals in North Carolina.
These laws demonstrate North Carolina's strict approach to alcohol regulation, which may come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with the state's unique rules.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol can be purchased in North Carolina on a Sunday from 10 am.
Alcohol can be purchased from bars, restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, private clubs, and any other place licensed to sell alcohol. However, ABC liquor stores are closed on Sundays.
ABC stands for Alcoholic Beverage Control. ABC stores are run by the state and are the exclusive sellers of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption.
Yes, Graham County in western North Carolina is the only county in the state where the sale of alcohol is illegal.
