Some To-Go Cocktails Get Approval in North Carolina With New Law
North Carolina has officially joined the growing list of states embracing the convenience and economic benefits of to-go cocktails. On July 8, 2024, Governor Roy Cooper signed the ABC Omnibus Bill into law, permanently legalizing the sale of sealed, pre-mixed cocktails for takeout and delivery.
There are still some limitations in place, and you can’t just take a drink to go. But it’s a welcome step for retailers and restaurants trying to drive additional sales.
The popularity of the sealed, pre-mixed cocktails spiked during COVID-19 restrictions, when temporary laws allowed for the sales to help restaurants during the pandemic. It proved popular, and North Carolina began work to make things official.
Under the new legislation, you can purchase to-go cocktails, but they must be sealed, sold in conjunction with a food purchase, and cannot exceed 24 ounces in volume. So you can’t just order a drink like you would a burger. But you could order the burger AND a drink to pick up and take on your way.
It’s important to note that this law does not address public consumption of open-container alcohol. Those restrictions are still in place, and it’s allowed only in specific areas. But it does allow you to pick up your favorite mixed drink from restaurants that can provide them in a sealed container.
The law also introduces several other changes to the state’s alcohol regulations. ABC stores can now sell gift cards and operate on select holidays like New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Additionally, airport vendors are permitted to sell drinks that can be carried within the TSA-screened portion of the terminal, enhancing the travel experience for those passing through North Carolina airports.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reports that North Carolina is now the 29th state to embrace the sealed to-go drinks trend, with many businesses anticipating an increase in sales as a result of the change.
Delivery services like DoorDash have also applauded the new law, noting that Dashers who deliver orders containing alcohol earn nearly 20 percent more than those without. This suggests that the legalization of to-go cocktails could lead to increased earning potential for delivery drivers across the state.
As North Carolinians celebrate this milestone in the state’s alcohol legislation, it is essential to prioritize responsible consumption and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the new law. By striking a balance between convenience, economic growth, and public safety, North Carolina has positioned itself at the forefront of the evolving landscape of alcohol sales in the United States.
