Due to the impact of COVID-19 exposures resulting in labor shortages, the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board announced modified retail store hours.  Effective Monday, January 10, Mecklenburg County ABC Board’s twenty nine (29) retail store locations will open at 12:30 p.m., and close at 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday, until further notice. Hours for permitted (mixed beverage restaurant, bar, club) will NOT be modified and will remain unchanged.

Keva Walton, CEO, stated, “We are committed to serving our customers and protecting the health and wellbeing of the Board’s employees.  The modified store hours enables the Board to avoid store closures. We will continue to monitor changing conditions closely and make necessary changes to safely and effectively manage stores to serve our customers.

Despite supply chain disruptions and product outages, Mecklenburg County ABC staff have worked collaboratively with vendors, NC ABC Commission staff and LB&B (the state’s centralized distribution warehouse) to secure available product. The Board’s store associates have worked seven days a week meet the significantly elevated retail and mixed beverage demand.  The Board extends thanks to our partners and deep appreciation to the staff.

Gallons purchased YTD exceed prior year by 9.4%, and are on pace to surpass previous levels met in the Board’s nearly seventy five year history. Mecklenburg County ABC Board’s FY 2022 holiday sales were up by 16% over prior year. Year-to-date, overall sales are up by12% over prior year. It is important to note that product prices across the North Carolina ABC systems have remained consistent during the two-year pandemic.

Mecklenburg County ABC Board values the business of its customers and thanks the community for their patience as The Board continues to adapt to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus.

ABOUT MECKLENBURG COUNTY ABC BOARD:

The mission of the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board is to manage the sale of distilled spirits by promoting excellence in customer service, fiscal responsibility, operational effectiveness, compliance with laws that govern the sale and use of alcoholic beverages and creating community partnerships to improve public health and safety. A self-sustaining entity, the Mecklenburg County ABC Board is not a government organization - it is a stand-alone organization formed by state law, independent of the county or city and its operations are completely funded by customer purchases and store profits.

Since 1947, the Mecklenburg County ABC Board has played a vital role and driving force through its distribution of profits to the community, and, charitable causes that benefit the citizens of Mecklenburg County by supporting alcohol and substance use disorder education, prevention and treatment programs at local nonprofits. In our 74-year history, over $100,000,000 has been distributed to agencies that assist those in need. Additionally, funds distributed are returned to the State of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte and public library system. To date, the Mecklenburg County ABC Board has returned over $1,000,000,000 to these entities.

You can find more information on our web at: www.meckabc.com.