Buying Beer In North Carolina: Grocery Store Guide

North Carolina has a thriving alcohol industry, with a diverse market that includes craft beer, wine, and spirits. However, the state has a unique set of laws governing the sale and consumption of alcohol. One question that often arises is whether beer can be purchased in grocery stores in North Carolina. The answer is yes, beer is available for purchase in grocery stores, along with convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and breweries. These establishments are allowed to sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and after 12 p.m. on Sundays. It's important to note that North Carolina has strict regulations regarding alcohol sales, and these times may vary between counties. Additionally, grocery stores must have a minimum of $1,500 worth of staple foods to be licensed to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption.

Beer and wine are sold in grocery stores in North Carolina

In North Carolina, you can buy beer and wine in grocery stores from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and after 12 p.m. on Sundays. These times may vary slightly between counties, and private retailers can set their own hours. Beer and wine can also be purchased on holidays if stores are open.

While beer and wine are readily available in grocery stores, liquor is notably absent from these shelves. Liquor is only sold at state-run ABC stores in North Carolina and is not available for purchase on Sundays, as these stores are closed.

North Carolina has a vibrant alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene and an expanding wine market. The state boasts a diverse range of offerings, from local artisanal spirits to well-known brands. However, the state's alcohol market is highly regulated, with unique laws that shape how consumers interact with their favourite spirits.

Liquor is not sold in grocery stores

North Carolina has a vibrant alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a burgeoning community of local distilleries. However, liquor is notably absent from grocery store shelves. So, what's the deal? Why can't you grab a bottle of your favourite spirit along with your bread and eggs? Well, it all comes down to how the state regulates the sale of alcohol.

North Carolina is what's known as a control state when it comes to liquor sales. This means that the state government, through the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (usually abbreviated to ABC Commission or ABCC), has strict control over how liquor is sold. The ABC Commission operates hundreds of dedicated ABC liquor stores across the state, which are the only places where you can buy packaged liquor for off-premises consumption. These stores are closed on Sundays and a few other holidays, and they have set opening hours from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays.

The state's control over liquor sales has been a topic of debate, especially after reports of the ABC Commission wasting millions of taxpayer dollars came to light. There has been growing pressure to open up the market to private companies, but for now, the status quo remains.

So, while you can pick up beer and wine during your grocery run in North Carolina, liquor is a different story. If you're looking to stock up on spirits, you'll need to head to one of the state-run ABC liquor stores during their designated opening hours.

It's worth noting that North Carolina has some unique alcohol laws beyond just liquor sales. For example, “happy hour” drink specials are illegal in the state, although there is a push to change that. Bottomless mimosas are also a no-go, and there are strict rules around selling pitchers or buckets of beer. North Carolina also has a “brunch bill” that allows alcohol sales in restaurants starting at 10 am on Sundays, but this doesn't apply to liquor sales, which are still restricted to weekdays.

Alcohol sales are prohibited between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m

North Carolina has a vibrant alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a burgeoning community of local distilleries. However, alcohol sales in the state are prohibited between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. This restriction applies to all days of the week, including weekends.

The state has a unique set of laws governing the sale and consumption of alcohol, which can be surprising to those unfamiliar with the area. North Carolina is what is known as a "control state," meaning that the sale and distribution of liquor are strictly regulated and controlled by the state. This system is managed by the local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) boards, which operate the state's retail stores and are the exclusive sellers of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption.

During the allowed hours, alcohol can be purchased at various locations throughout the state. Beer and wine can be found in grocery and convenience stores, while liquor is only sold at state-run ABC stores. These stores maintain specific operating hours, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Notably, ABC stores remain closed on Sundays, in keeping with the state's historical "blue laws" that restricted alcohol sales on Sundays.

The "Brunch Bill," enacted in 2017, brought some changes to Sunday alcohol sales. This legislation allowed restaurants and stores to begin selling alcohol at 10 a.m. on Sundays, providing a welcome update to the previous restriction that prohibited sales before noon. However, this change does not apply to ABC stores, which remain closed on Sundays.

It is important to note that individual counties in North Carolina may have their own additional regulations. For example, until recently, Graham County was the only "dry county" in the state, where the sale of alcohol was entirely prohibited. Now, even this county permits alcohol sales in select locations.

North Carolina's alcohol laws also include some other unique provisions. For instance, "happy hour" drink specials are illegal, and establishments can only offer food specials during this time. Drink specials, if offered, must be available for the entire day. Bottomless drinks, such as mimosas or margaritas, are also prohibited, as establishments are not allowed to serve more than one drink to a customer at a time.

Alcohol sales are allowed on Sundays after 12 p.m

Alcohol sales in North Carolina are tightly regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which operates the state's retail stores and controls the sale of packaged liquor for off-site consumption. This means that beer, wine, and liquor each have unique rules regarding their sale.

Beer can be purchased in North Carolina at bars, restaurants, and licensed retailers from Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. and after 12 p.m. on Sundays. This includes grocery stores, which are permitted to sell beer during these hours.

Wine is also available at grocery stores and can be purchased during the same hours as beer. However, wine can only be sold if the grocery store stocks a minimum of $1,500 worth of staple foods, such as bread, eggs, and milk.

Liquor sales are more restricted in North Carolina. Liquor is only sold at state-run ABC stores, which are closed on Sundays and some holidays, including New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Liquor sales are permitted from Monday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

It is important to note that individual counties in North Carolina may have their own regulations regarding alcohol sales, and these can vary. For example, until 2021, Graham County was the only "dry county" in the state, meaning that alcohol sales were illegal. However, it is no longer completely dry, as select locations are now permitted to sell alcohol.

Additionally, while North Carolina does not have a statewide ban on alcohol sales before noon on Sundays, individual counties can choose to impose this restriction. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local laws before purchasing alcohol on a Sunday.

North Carolina has a 'dry county' where alcohol sales are illegal

North Carolina has a unique set of laws governing the sale and consumption of alcohol. While the state has a thriving alcohol industry, with a vibrant craft beer scene and an expanding wine industry, there are some complexities when it comes to purchasing alcohol.

Until recently, North Carolina had a dry county where alcohol sales were illegal. Graham County, located in the western part of the state on the Tennessee border, was the only completely dry county out of North Carolina's 100 counties. However, in November 2024, voters in the county seat of Robbinsville decided to permit selected alcohol sales in local businesses, ending Graham County's status as a dry county.

The change in Graham County's alcohol policy is significant, especially considering its conservative Baptist influence and the once-thriving bootleg trade in the region. The decision to allow alcohol sales is expected to boost tourism and bring much-needed revenue to the county.

It is worth noting that even before this change, there were a few resorts in Graham County that obtained special licenses to sell alcohol. Additionally, while North Carolina has strict regulations on alcohol sales, it is not illegal to drink in public, and individuals are allowed to consume alcohol in the comfort of their homes, even in dry counties.

While North Carolina no longer has any completely dry counties, it is important to be aware of the specific regulations that govern the sale and consumption of alcohol in different parts of the state. These regulations can vary from county to county, and it is always a good idea to stay informed to ensure compliance with local laws.

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