When To Buy Beer 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, its alcohol laws can be confusing for consumers. 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. However, there are some variations in the cut-off time, with some sources citing 2:30 a.m. as the time by which all alcohol must be cleared from tables and counters. Additionally, North Carolina is one of only four states that require liquor stores to close on Sundays, with sales permitted only after 10 a.m. on that day.

Beer can be bought on Sundays after 10 am or noon

Beer lovers in North Carolina, rejoice! You can now buy your favourite beverage on Sundays after 10 am or noon, depending on where you shop. Here is everything you need to know about buying beer in the Tar Heel State on a Sunday:

Beer Buying Hours on Sundays

Previously, beer lovers in North Carolina had to wait until noon on Sundays to purchase their favourite brews. However, the 2017 "Brunch Bill" changed all that. This legislation, signed into state law by Governor Roy Cooper, allowed restaurants to start serving alcoholic beverages at 10 am on Sundays. So, if you're dining out for an early lunch or brunch, you can now enjoy a beer with your meal from 10 am onwards.

But what if you're looking to stock up for a Sunday get-together or watch the big game at home? Well, that depends on where you shop. The "Brunch Bill" originally only applied to restaurants. However, a later addition to the bill expanded the provision to include grocery stores, convenience markets, private clubs, and any other place licensed to sell alcohol. So, if you're buying your beer from a grocery store or convenience store, you'll need to wait until noon on Sundays.

Where to Buy Beer on Sundays

It's important to note that ABC stores, which are the only places to buy liquor in North Carolina, are closed on Sundays. So, if you're looking for liquor on a Sunday, you're out of luck. However, you can buy beer from bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and other licensed retailers after 10 am or noon, depending on the type of establishment.

Other Beer Laws in North Carolina

While the "Brunch Bill" was a step forward for beer lovers in North Carolina, there are still some unique laws governing the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state. For example, North Carolina is one of only four states that require liquor stores to close on Sundays. Additionally, happy hours, where drinks are discounted for a specific period, are not allowed. Bottomless mimosas are also illegal, as are open containers of alcohol in vehicles. So, if you're planning a Sunday funday in North Carolina, make sure you're aware of these laws and plan your purchases accordingly!

Beer can be bought from bars, restaurants, and retail locations

North Carolina has some relatively open laws regarding beer sales. Beer can be bought any day of the week. On Mondays through Saturdays, beer can be purchased from bars, restaurants, and licensed retailers from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. On Sundays, beer sales can only occur after 12 noon. These times may vary between counties.

Private retailers' hours are determined by the store. For example, grocery stores sell beer during the permitted hours of operation from Mondays through Saturdays and after noon on Sundays. Gas stations can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and after noon on Sundays.

It is worth noting that North Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy toward drinking and driving under the age of 21. The minimum drinking age in the state is 21 years old, and it is illegal for anyone under this age to consume, possess, or buy alcohol.

Beer cannot be bought from package and liquor stores

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, beer cannot be bought from package and liquor stores for several reasons.

Firstly, North Carolina is a control state, meaning the state government controls the sale and distribution of liquor through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC). This means that liquor can only be purchased from state-run ABC stores, which are closed on Sundays.

Secondly, North Carolina has what are known as "blue laws," which restrict alcohol sales on Sundays. These laws were designed to protect the sanctity of the Sabbath but have been relaxed in recent years. The "Brunch Bill," enacted in 2017, allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays starting at 10 am, a welcome change for those looking to stock up for a Sunday dinner. However, ABC stores remain closed on Sundays, so liquor is not available for purchase until Monday.

Thirdly, individual cities and counties in North Carolina may have their own additional restrictions on alcohol sales. For example, Graham County in western North Carolina was previously the state's last "dry county," where the sale of alcohol was illegal, until the law was changed in the 2021 election.

Finally, North Carolina has unique rules regarding happy hours and drink specials. Happy hour drink specials are illegal in the state, and establishments can only offer food specials during this time. Drink specials must last the whole day, and bottomless drinks, such as mimosas, are also prohibited.

In summary, while North Carolina offers a diverse range of alcoholic beverages, the state's complex regulatory framework includes several restrictions on the sale of beer and liquor. These restrictions are shaped by the state's control state status, blue laws, local regulations, and rules regarding happy hours and drink specials.

Beer can be bought from gas stations with the relevant permit

Beer in North Carolina can be purchased from gas stations that have the relevant permit. The law states that beer can be sold between 7 am and 2 am, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, beer can be purchased after 12 pm.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission) issues permits for the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages in North Carolina. These permits are provided in accordance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws and Rules of North Carolina, Chapter 18B.

To sell beer at a gas station, the station must obtain a permit from the ABC Commission. The permit will allow the gas station to sell beer during the designated hours, as outlined above. It is important to note that the sale of liquor and other spirits is restricted to ABC stores in North Carolina and is not available for purchase at gas stations.

The ABC Commission also issues one-time permits for special occasions and events. These permits allow non-profit or political organizations to serve beer and wine at fundraising events, provided that the alcohol is served free of charge to guests over the age of 21. Applications for these special permits must be submitted at least 14 days before the event.

Beer can be delivered in North Carolina

There are also specific hours during which beer can be delivered. Beer can be delivered between 7:00 am and 2:00 am from Monday to Saturday, and from noon until 2:00 am on Sundays. However, note that some jurisdictions allow beer sales from 10:00 am on Sundays.

When it comes to ordering and payment, you must ensure that the person making the order is at least 21 years old, and payment cannot be made at the delivery site. It is also important to verify that the person receiving the delivery is at least 21 years old and takes immediate possession of the beer.

Additionally, there is a delivery radius to consider. Beer can only be delivered within a 50-mile radius of the store, and it must be pulled from the store's existing inventory.

It's worth noting that North Carolina has strict laws regarding alcohol sales, and violations of these laws can result in fines and other penalties.

Overall, while beer delivery is allowed in North Carolina, it is important to follow the regulations outlined above to ensure compliance with the law.

Frequently asked questions