Beer Buying In North Carolina: Early Shopping Laws Explained

North Carolina has some relatively open laws regarding beer sales. You can buy beer in North Carolina any day of the week, although there are some time restrictions in place. Beer can be purchased from bars, restaurants, and licensed retailers from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and after noon on Sundays. However, package and liquor stores in North Carolina are not allowed to sell beer, and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores are closed on Sundays.

Beer can be bought in North Carolina from 7 a.m. on weekdays

North Carolina has some relatively open laws regarding beer sales. Beer can be purchased any day of the week, with the exception of Sunday mornings. On Sundays, beer sales are prohibited before noon. This restriction was updated by the 2017 "Brunch Bill", which pushed the start time forward from noon to 10 a.m.

It's worth noting that North Carolina is one of eight states that doesn't allow "happy hours", and one of only four that closes liquor stores on Sundays.

Beer sales must end by 2 a.m

North Carolina has strict laws regarding the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages. Beer sales are only permitted from Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. On Sundays, beer sales are prohibited before noon. This means that beer sales must end by 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, and sales can resume at 12 p.m.

The specific laws regarding alcohol sales vary across different counties in North Carolina. For example, in Yancey County, alcohol sales are only permitted within the town limits of Burnsville, resulting in a minimum 35-minute drive for residents outside the town to purchase beer. Additionally, some counties have implemented time restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

It is important to note that North Carolina does not allow "happy hours," during which drinks are discounted for a specific period. The state also closes liquor stores on Sundays, with the exception of bars, restaurants, and other businesses licensed to serve liquor.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in North Carolina have evolved over time. The "Brunch Bill," enacted in 2017, changed the law to allow alcohol sales on Sundays starting at 10 a.m., two hours earlier than the previous law. However, this bill only applies to beer, wine, and liquor sales; it does not affect the opening hours of liquor stores.

To comply with the law, businesses that sell beer must ensure that all sales end by 2 a.m. on Sundays. This cut-off time applies to bars and other establishments serving alcoholic beverages. While customers are allowed to finish their drinks until 2:30 a.m., all tables, counters, and bars must be cleared of alcohol products by then.

Alcohol sales are prohibited before 10 a.m. on Sundays

North Carolina has strict laws regarding alcohol sales. Alcohol sales are prohibited before 10 a.m. on Sundays. This law was established by the 2017 "Brunch Bill", which changed the original cut-off time from noon to 10 a.m.

The "Brunch Bill" allows local governments to pass ordinances permitting restaurants and retailers like grocery stores to sell alcohol starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. This change was made to accommodate those who wish to purchase alcohol for early Sunday brunch. However, it is important to note that ABC stores, which are the exclusive sellers of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption, are closed on Sundays.

The prohibition of alcohol sales before 10 a.m. on Sundays in North Carolina has been a source of frustration for some residents, who consider it an outdated puritanical law. Some have expressed their desire to purchase alcohol for dinner on Sunday mornings during their early grocery shopping trips.

Additionally, North Carolina has other unique alcohol regulations. It is one of eight states that do not allow "happy hours", where drinks are discounted for a specific period. It is also one of four states that require liquor stores to be closed on Sundays. These laws create a distinctive environment for consumers and businesses in the state.

Beer can be bought at gas stations, grocery stores, and licensed retailers

Beer can be purchased in North Carolina at gas stations, grocery stores, and licensed retailers.

North Carolina has some relatively open laws regarding beer sales. Beer can be bought any day of the week, from Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. On Sundays, beer can be purchased after 12 p.m. in most counties, though some counties may have different timings.

Gas stations are allowed to sell beer in cans and bottles ranging from 12 to 24 ounces, with an 80-liter maximum for beer sales at any one time. The gas station must have a permit for off-premise alcohol sales.

Grocery stores can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and after noon on Sundays. To be considered a food business authorised to sell alcohol, a grocery store must stock a minimum of $1,500 worth of staple foods such as bread, eggs, and milk. Similar to gas stations, there is an 80-liter limit for beer purchases at grocery stores.

Bars and restaurants are also permitted to sell beer, but only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, beer cannot be sold until noon. These establishments can sell beer in drafts, bottles, and cans of various sizes, and customers can also buy beer to go as long as it is in its original packaging.

Breweries and taprooms are another option for purchasing beer in North Carolina. They are permitted to sell beer from 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and after noon on Sundays. The hours for these establishments can vary significantly, and they may sell draft beers, cans, and bottles for on-site consumption. They can also sell kegs and other packaged beers for off-site consumption if they are in their original packaging.

It is important to note that North Carolina does not allow "happy hours," and it is one of only four states that require liquor stores to be closed on Sundays.

North Carolina has no dry counties

Until 2021, North Carolina had only one dry county, Graham County, which is now 'wet' and permits alcohol sales in select locations.

North Carolina is one of eight states that doesn't allow "happy hours", and one of only four that closes liquor stores on Sundays. Alcohol sales must end at 2 am at bars and other establishments, but patrons have until 2:30 am to finish their drinks. All tables, counters, and bars must be cleared of alcohol products by 2:30 am.

The minimum drinking age in North Carolina is 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink beer in North Carolina, even with their parents.

Frequently asked questions