North Carolina’s alcohol laws are shaped by a mix of state mandates and local flexibility. Whether it’s beer, wine, or hard liquor, knowing when alcohol sales stop can help you plan better — especially if you’re heading out late or buying for a gathering. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rules in NC.
Statewide Alcohol Sale Hours — The Basics
According to North Carolina General Statute 18B-1004, the law clearly defines sale windows:
- It’s illegal to sell malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, or mixed drinks between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. for retailers holding the necessary permits.
- On the consumption side, places like bars and restaurants that serve alcohol must stop allowing consumption by 2:30 a.m..
So, in most parts of North Carolina, your latest legal drink from a bar or restaurant will likely be just before 2:00 a.m., and you have a grace period (until 2:30 a.m.) to finish it.
Off-Premise Sales (Beer & Wine)
For retail outlets such as grocery stores and convenience stores:
- Beer and wine sales are typically permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday.
- As for Sunday, the “Brunch Bill” (Senate Bill 155) allows beer and wine sales to begin as early as 10:00 a.m., but that depends on local ordinances.
This means that while the state gives a baseline, local governments can decide whether to use the 10:00 a.m. Sunday start or stick with a later one.
Liquor (Spirits) Sales — ABC-Store Rules
Liquor in North Carolina is sold primarily through state-run ABC stores, not regular grocery stores. Here’s how the hours work:
- ABC store sales run from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays.
- Importantly, ABC stores are closed on Sundays. Additionally, per law, these stores must also close on some major holidays (e.g., Christmas, Thanksgiving).
Local Variations & Exceptions
- Sunday Sales: Even though the Brunch Bill allows 10:00 a.m. Sunday sales for beer and wine, a county or city has to opt in via its own ordinance. Otherwise, the default is not before 12:00 p.m. (noon).
- Event Permits: North Carolina also issues special permits for events (fairs, festivals, etc.) under which alcohol can be sold temporarily.
- Distillery Sales: There have been recent changes: some local distilleries can sell sealed liquor bottles on Sundays, depending on county or city-level rules. (Note: this depends on local law.)
Why These Rules Matter
- Late-Night Planning: If you’re out late, the 2:00 a.m. alcohol cutoff in most licensed venues means planning your “last drink” accordingly.
- Grocery or Convenience Stops: For buying beer or wine late, you can generally do so until 2:00 a.m. — but liquor is more restricted, only available in ABC stores during their shorter hours.
- Sunday Shopping: Thanks to the Brunch Bill, some places open earlier for Sunday alcohol sales, but this is highly dependent on local laws — so always check your city or county.
- Special Events: For special events (festivals, celebrations), the permit system allows for flexible sale hours, but these are temporary and regulated.
Whether you’re a resident or just visiting North Carolina, understanding these alcohol sale times helps you stay on the right side of the law — and ensures you don’t miss out when stocking up or planning a night out.
