What is the NC ABC Commission?

The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is an independent state agency. The Commission provides uniform control over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption and possession of all alcoholic beverages in the state. Nationally, North Carolina is one of 17 control states/jurisdictions and is a member of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association.

What makes North Carolina a “control state”?

North Carolina is unique as it allows communities to vote to establish local ABC boards for the sale of liquor in their communities, with liquor profits distributed back to those communities, thereby reducing the need to increase local property taxes. No State funds are spent to distribute or sell liquor. The state and local operation of the ABC system is receipt supported.

Why do we need to control liquor? 

Alcohol is not an ordinary commodity and liquor is different from beer or wine. Alcohol can be an addictive product and abused by some. A control system limits the physical and social damage that can be caused by the misuse of liquor and reduces the costs borne by citizens that result from abusive or irresponsible consumption of liquor.

Who owns the ABC stores?

ABC Boards are local independent subdivisions of this State. ABC boards either own or lease all of the ABC store locations. The 168 local boards operate 432 stores statewide and employ over 2,870 people.

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What is the mission of local ABC boards?

By statute, the mission of local ABC Boards and their employees shall be to server their localities responsibly by controlling the sale of liquor and promoting customer-friendly, modern, and efficient stores.

What are the identification requirements?

Valid forms of identification for those 21 years of age and older include:  

• A valid U.S. State Driver’s License 

• A valid ID card issued by any state agency of any U.S. state authorized to issue official special identification cards

•  A valid passport

•  A valid U.S. Military ID

Expired forms of identification cannot be used to purchase alcohol.

An entire group of people can be refused if any member of the group is underage or unable to produce an acceptable form of ID. The exception is children under the age of 18 and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Who is responsible for the administrative operation of the state-owned warehouse?

The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC) is responsible for the administrative oversight of the state-owned warehouse and contracts for services there.

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What are special orders?

We can only stock items that have been approved by the North Carolina ABC Commission. If you are interested in a product not currently carried in our store or approved by the commission, you may request information on special orders.

Special Order products may be purchased by the bottle or by the case. You may contact a store manager or the administrative office to receive information on purchasing special order. Timeline of arrival will vary depending on the item (some items may take up to 8-12 weeks for delivery).

Please be advised that "allocated" products (Blanton's, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller, etc.) cannot be special ordered.