When Beer Buying Is Illegal In North Carolina

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, the state has strict laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol. One of the key regulations relates to the hours during which alcohol can be purchased. So, what time can you not buy beer in North Carolina?

Alcohol sales in NC are restricted to specific timings during the week and on Sundays

Alcohol sales in North Carolina are subject to specific time restrictions during the week and on Sundays.

On weekdays (Monday to Saturday), alcohol can be purchased between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. the following day. However, sales must end at 2 a.m. in bars and other establishments serving alcohol, with a 30-minute grace period until 2:30 a.m. for patrons to finish their drinks.

On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is prohibited until 10 a.m. or 12 p.m., depending on the source of information. This restriction was updated by the 2017 "Brunch Bill," which allowed for the sale of alcohol in restaurants starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. However, liquor stores, or ABC stores, remain closed on Sundays, making it impossible to purchase spirits on that day.

It is important to note that North Carolina has strict regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. These laws are enforced by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, and non-compliance can result in legal consequences.

Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, but not liquor

North Carolina has a vibrant alcohol industry, with a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a growing community of local distilleries. However, its alcohol market is subject to a unique set of laws.

Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores in North Carolina, but not liquor. Liquor is only sold at state-run ABC stores, which are closed on Sundays. This means that on Sundays, you can only purchase liquor from a bar, restaurant, or other business licensed to serve liquor, and only after 10 am.

The sale of alcohol in North Carolina is restricted to specific times. From Monday to Saturday, alcohol can be sold and served between 7 am and 2 am. On Sundays, alcohol sales, service, and consumption are only permitted after 10 am, with sales ending at 2 am. This timing was established by the 2017 "Brunch Bill," which pushed the start time forward from noon.

It's important to note that while beer and wine are available for purchase at grocery and convenience stores, there are still regulations in place regarding the amount of alcohol that can be purchased at once. Without a permit, a person can buy up to 80 liters of malt beverages, any amount of draft malt beverages, up to 50 liters of unfortified wine, and up to 8 liters of fortified wine or spirituous liquor, or a combination of the two.

Liquor is only sold at state-run ABC stores, which are closed on Sundays

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, navigating this market comes with a unique set of laws.

The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission) oversees the sale of alcohol in the state, and their regulations must be followed by anyone looking to sell alcohol in North Carolina. The ABC Commission enforces regulations, manages inventory, and implements statewide policies, creating a distinctive environment for both consumers and industry players.

The ABC stores are government-owned liquor marketplaces spread across all but one of the state's 100 counties. In addition to being closed on Sundays, these stores also close on certain holidays, such as New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

While you can't buy liquor at the state-run stores on Sundays, there are other options available. Since 2022, North Carolina distilleries have been allowed to sell their own liquor products on Sundays. So, if you're looking for a last-minute drink on a Sunday, you may want to check out some of the local distilleries in your area. Additionally, restaurants with active on-premise licenses can sell alcohol after 12 PM on Sundays and must stop serving at 2 AM.

In summary, while North Carolina has a thriving alcohol industry, the sale of liquor is strictly regulated. If you're looking to buy liquor, you'll need to visit a state-run ABC store during their operating hours, which exclude Sundays and certain holidays. For Sunday purchases, your best bet is to visit a local distillery or a restaurant with an active on-premise license.

Alcohol sales must end at 2 a.m. at bars and other licensed establishments

In North Carolina, alcohol sales must end at 2 a.m. at bars and other licensed establishments. This rule applies to both on-premise and off-premise consumption. While the drinking and consumption of alcohol can continue until 2:30 a.m., all tables, counters, and bars must be cleared of alcohol products by this time.

These regulations are part of North Carolina's complex liquor laws, which include restrictions on happy hours, drink specials, and the sale of liquor on Sundays. North Carolina is one of eight states that prohibit happy hours, where drinks are discounted for a specific period, and one of only four states that mandate the closure of liquor stores on Sundays.

The sale of alcohol in North Carolina is overseen by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which enforces regulations, manages inventory, and implements policies. Alcohol can be purchased from state-run ABC stores or licensed businesses, including bars, restaurants, and grocery and convenience stores.

The specific hours for alcohol sales vary between Monday to Saturday and Sundays. From Monday to Saturday, alcohol sales are permitted from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. On Sundays, alcohol sales are restricted to the hours after 10 a.m., with no sales allowed before this time.

It is important to note that counties and cities in North Carolina may have their own regulations that deviate from these standard hours, so it is advisable to check the local laws in your area.

On Sundays, alcohol sales can begin at 10 a.m. at licensed restaurants and bars

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 laws regarding alcohol sales can be confusing for residents and visitors alike.

The "Brunch Bill" is a significant step towards accommodating the preferences of those who enjoy early morning drinks on Sundays. However, it is worth noting that North Carolina has a history of restrictive alcohol laws, with happy hours and discounted drinks being illegal in the state. Additionally, there are only four days a year when establishments can offer package deals that include alcoholic beverages: New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day.

For those seeking to purchase alcohol in North Carolina, it is essential to be aware of the state's unique regulations. While the "Brunch Bill" has provided some leniency, the state maintains strict control over alcohol sales, particularly on Sundays, with liquor sales restricted to licensed restaurants and bars.

In summary, while the "Brunch Bill" allows for alcohol sales to begin at 10 a.m. on Sundays in licensed restaurants and bars, it is important to be mindful of the broader context of alcohol regulations in North Carolina, which continue to be stringent and subject to ongoing legislative debate.

Frequently asked questions