CHARLOTTE, N.C. — State lawmakers signed off on a bill this week that would allow the sale of cocktails to-go and via delivery. This was something bars and restaurants did during the pandemic, but this move would be permanent.
North Carolina is a liquor control state, meaning alcohol sales are regulated. Many of the current state laws about alcohol sales stem from the Prohibition Era. But over the last two years, there have been many changes to liquor laws; state leaders got rid of membership fees for patrons and owners a little over a year ago. Now, to-go alcohol could be approved.
The bill passed both the North Carolina House and Senate. It has been sent to Gov. Roy Cooper but there is no word on if he would sign the bill.
Michael Sharpton, owner of Charlotte LGBTQ nightclub The Scorpio, said this is a move in the right direction.
“Making it more business-friendly and more consumer-friendly," Sharpton said. "It’s a convenience for the consumer and provides another revenue stream for the customer.”
Jeff Tonidandel is the owner of Haberdish and sold to-go alcohol during the pandemic. He said it's nice to see looser restrictions, but over the phone, it's costly to get the to-go containers. He said for some, the economic benefits might not outweigh the preparation.
The Christian Action League of North Carolina has spoken out for years against the changes to the North Carolina law. They said it's irresponsible and a safety risk. Sharpton said he believes more should be done and is holding out for changes.
"It’s very prohibitive," Sharpton said. "One of the big changes for me would be to privatize the ABC commission.”
If Cooper signs the bill, it would also allow liquor stores to open on certain holidays like New Year's Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.