October 30, 2025

Why North Carolina still sells liquor like it’s 1937

Will the madness ever end?

Print to read
Print to read
North Carolina State Capitol, rendered in gingerbread in 2023 at The Cypress of Charlotte/ Photos by Hanna Raskin
North Carolina State Capitol, rendered in gingerbread in 2023 at The Cypress of Charlotte/ Photos by Hanna Raskin
Avatar photo
By Tony Mecia
Avatar photo
By Tony Mecia

The Food Sectiontomorrow will reveal which Alcoholic Beverage Control stores scored highest in its statewide survey—essential information for anyone planning to mix drinks in North Carolina, since the state appears unlikely to surrender its liquor monopoly. We invited Tony Mecia of The Charlotte Ledger, a newsletter that’s required reading in the Queen City, to assess prospects for reform.

Back in 2019, North Carolina retailers had high hopes of reforming the state’s one-of-a-kind laws on liquor sales.

 
blue-line

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER

Help us cover food and drink across the American South as though it mattered as much as crime and politics (because it does).

VIEW OUR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT? SIGN IN