Buying Beer In North Carolina: Legal Hours Explained

Beer lovers in North Carolina have a lot to keep in mind when it comes to buying their favourite drink. The state has a thriving craft beer scene, but its alcohol market is governed by a unique set of laws. North Carolina is a control state, meaning the sale of liquor is controlled by the government and exclusively sold through locally operated ABC stores, which are closed on Sundays. Beer, on the other hand, can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores, bars and restaurants, and gas stations. State law restricts beer sales from Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m., and after 10 a.m. on Sundays. However, individual counties may impose additional time restrictions, and some counties were completely dry until recently.

Beer can be purchased in North Carolina from Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m

North Carolina has a vibrant alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene. The state has relatively open laws regarding beer sales, allowing purchases any day of the week. Beer can be bought at bars, restaurants, and licensed retailers from Monday to Saturday, within specific time frames.

The state's alcohol industry is governed by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which operates hundreds of ABC stores across the state's 100 counties. These stores are closed on Sundays, and liquor sales are restricted to these state-run locations.

While beer can be purchased from Monday to Saturday at various establishments, it is important to note that individual cities and counties may have additional restrictions. For example, some counties may only allow alcohol sales within specific town limits.

North Carolina has a unique set of alcohol laws that govern the buying, selling, manufacturing, transportation, and possession of alcoholic beverages. These laws are essential to understand for both consumers and businesses operating in the state's alcohol industry.

On Sundays, beer can be purchased after 10 a.m. or noon

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, its alcohol market is governed by a unique set of laws.

The "Brunch Bill" changed the law to allow for alcohol sales after 10 a.m. on Sundays, but this is still subject to local approval. More urban areas with a busy restaurant scene have embraced the change and allowed businesses to begin selling alcohol at 10 a.m. However, this law did not affect ABC store operations, which remain closed on Sundays.

On Sundays, beer can be purchased from any location licensed to sell it after 10 a.m. or noon, including bars, restaurants, and retail locations. This timing also applies to grocery and convenience stores, which are permitted to sell beer and wine.

It is important to note that individual cities and counties in North Carolina have the authority to implement their own restrictions, which may result in variations between different areas of the state.

Beer can be bought at bars, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and breweries

Beer can be bought at a variety of locations in North Carolina, including bars, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and breweries and taprooms. However, the specific days and hours when beer can be purchased may vary by location and county. Here is an overview of the general rules regarding beer purchases in North Carolina:

Bars and Restaurants:

Beer can typically be purchased at bars and restaurants in North Carolina from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, beer sales are permitted after 10 a.m. or noon, depending on local approval. Bars are required to stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m., and customers have until 2:30 a.m. to finish their drinks. All alcoholic beverages must be cleared from tables and countertops by 2:30 a.m.

Gas Stations:

Gas stations in North Carolina are usually allowed to sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, beer sales at gas stations are permitted after 10 a.m. or noon. Gas stations have a maximum limit of 80 litres of beer that can be sold at one time. They are allowed to sell cans and bottles of beer in sizes ranging from 12 to 24 ounces. Additionally, the gas station must have a permit for off-premise alcohol sales.

Grocery Stores:

Grocery stores in North Carolina can sell beer during the same hours as gas stations, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and after 10 a.m. or noon on Sundays. To be considered a food business that can sell alcohol for off-premise consumption, grocery stores must meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum of $1,500 worth of staple foods like bread, eggs, and milk. Similar to gas stations, there is an 80-litre limit for purchasing beer at grocery stores.

Breweries and Taprooms:

Breweries and taprooms in North Carolina are permitted to sell beer starting at 7 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and after noon on Sundays. The hours for these locations can vary, as they are at the business's discretion. Breweries and taprooms offer draft beers, cans, and bottles for on-site consumption. They can also sell kegs and packaged beers for off-premise consumption, provided they are in their original packaging.

It is important to note that North Carolina has a three-tier system for distributing and selling alcohol. This means that producers can only sell their products to wholesalers, who then sell to retailers. Additionally, the state has blue laws that restrict alcohol sales on Sundays, although there have been recent changes to allow earlier sales on that day.

North Carolina's beer laws vary between counties

In most of North Carolina, you can buy beer from bars, restaurants, and licensed retailers from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and after noon on Sundays. However, private retailers can set their own hours for beer sales. Additionally, some counties may have different rules for when and where you can buy beer. For example, Yancey County only allows alcohol sales within the town limits of Burnsville, while Graham County, the state's last "dry county," only permits alcohol sales in select locations.

The state's alcohol laws have evolved over time, with recent changes influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the "Brunch Bill." During the pandemic, Governor Cooper issued an executive order allowing mixed beverages to be delivered or served as carry-out from bars and restaurants. This order helped businesses generate revenue while also providing a safer alternative to on-premise consumption.

The "Brunch Bill," signed into law in 2017, allowed restaurants and stores to sell alcohol starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays instead of noon. However, this change is still subject to local approval, and ABC stores that exclusively sell liquor remain closed on Sundays.

Beer cannot be purchased between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m

North Carolina has relatively relaxed laws regarding beer sales. Beer can be purchased any day of the week, but the specific times may vary between counties. Beer can be purchased from bars, restaurants, and licensed retailers from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and after 12 p.m. on Sundays.

The hours for private retailers are determined by the store. For example, some grocery stores may cordon off the alcohol section overnight and on Sunday mornings to avoid embarrassing situations for customers.

North Carolina's alcohol market is vibrant, with a thriving craft beer scene. The state boasts over 420 breweries with active licenses. However, navigating this market comes with a unique set of laws. As a control state, North Carolina's liquor market is strictly regulated by the local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission.

ABC stores, which are run by the state, are closed on Sundays. On Sundays, beer can be purchased after 10 a.m. from on-premise and off-premise locations.

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