North Carolina took a thoughtful look at how alcohol should be handled after the repeal of prohibition back in the 1930’s.  Realizing that a total ban was ineffective and in fact dangerous, the state Legislature voted in 1937 to return alcohol sales back to North Carolina.  Currently one of eighteen states and two counties in Maryland who have a control system, North Carolina gave local jurisdictions a vote option for alcohol (including which types) to be sold in their area.  In North Carolina, spirits are only sold in ABC stores and the only thing sold in them.  Beer and wine are available at grocery stores and other specialty or convenience stores.  Some counties voted to establish an ABC system; others were established at the city or municipality level.  That’s why we are called the Mecklenburg County ABC Board—we operate our system within Mecklenburg County.

In 1947, Mecklenburg County was a busy area.  We were surrounded by industry that began with World War II.  The voters decided it was time to allow the sale of alcohol in Mecklenburg County.  Opening seven (7) stores and now operating upwards of twenty-three (23), this Board has served the residents of our area who choose to purchase spirits.

It all began with three gentlemen running our system—Frank K. Sims, Jr. the chairman, Fred Anderson, store operations director, and Henry Severs, law enforcement chief.  Forging new ground, they established a strong base for our operations today.  Our staff now runs about one hundred fifty (150) full and part-time employees working in departments from warehousing, to store operations, to law enforcement.

Rich in history and looking to the future, the Mecklenburg County ABC Board is your board—working harder to serve you better.