One of the most common questions people ask about North Carolina’s ABC system is: why doesn’t my town have an ABC store closer to me? Or: why can’t there be more stores in [county]?
The answer has to do with how the NC system distributes authority — and it’s more democratic than most people expect.
First: Not Every County Has ABC Stores
North Carolina operates what’s called a “local option” system for alcohol. Counties can vote to be “dry” (no ABC stores) or “wet” (ABC stores permitted). Even in wet counties, individual municipalities can hold their own local-option elections.
As of 2025, the vast majority of NC counties permit ABC retail sales, but there are still dry municipalities within otherwise wet counties, and the rules for what can be sold where (beer and wine vs spirits) vary significantly.
How a New Store Gets Approved
For a county that already has an ABC board and wants to open additional stores:
Step 1: Board resolution. The ABC board’s board of directors votes to pursue an additional location. This typically requires demonstrating demand, population growth, or geographic gaps in service.
Step 2: Local government approval. The ABC board presents the proposal to county commissioners or the municipal governing body that chartered them. In many cases, this requires a public hearing.
Step 3: NC ABC Commission review. The Commission reviews the proposed location for compliance with state regulations regarding distance from schools, churches, and other establishments.
Step 4: Site approval. Once approved, the board can lease or purchase the property, build out the retail space, and hire staff.
The process typically takes 12–24 months from initial board resolution to opening day.
What This Means for Communities
The local-option and board-approval structure means that ABC store expansion is inherently a community decision — not a unilateral one made by the state or a private company.
A community that wants more ABC locations needs engaged board members, cooperative county commissioners, and public support. A community that prefers fewer locations has meaningful mechanisms to resist expansion.
This is by design. The NC system reflects the principle that communities should control alcohol retail in their territory, not just inherit whatever the market produces.
What About Delivery?
State law does not permit NC ABC stores to deliver spirits to consumers (unlike beer and wine, which can be delivered under different licensing). All spirits must be purchased in person at an ABC store.
Some boards are exploring curbside pickup for pre-ordered items, which doesn’t require additional legislative authority in all cases. Contact your local board to find out what options they currently offer.
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