Bill legalizes to-go alcoholic drinks in North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has signed a law permanently allowing the carryout or delivery of alcoholic drinks, a practice initially permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legislation, part of the ABC Omnibus Bill (Senate Bill 527, Session Law 2024-41), includes several regulations for to-go alcoholic beverages. Drinks must be sealed, sold with food, and limited to 24 ounces. Customers receiving these deliveries must present ID, which delivery personnel from services like Uber Eats and DoorDash are responsible for verifying. Alcoholic drinks cannot be left unattended on porches and must be clearly labeled if packaged in a bag or box.

The law also mandates training for delivery drivers. Before making any deliveries, drivers must complete a course approved by the ABC Commission on delivering alcoholic beverages.

Additional delivery regulations stipulate that alcoholic beverages can only be delivered during legally permitted sales hours and within authorized jurisdictions. Deliveries are prohibited to any area in the state that has not authorized the sale of the purchased alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, delivery services cannot deliver alcohol to other licensed retailers or beyond 50 miles from the retailer’s licensed premises.

The law also permits ABC stores to sell gift cards and to remain open on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Additionally, travelers can now purchase drinks at the airport after clearing TSA security checkpoints, and beer and wine can be sold at community college events.

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