Mecklenburg Co. ABC Board chairman won’t resign

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The chairman of the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has rejected a request from his colleagues to resign in the wake of an almost $13,000 dinner paid for by a liquor company.

The Charlotte Observer reported that Parks Helms said Monday he would not quit. Other ABC directors had asked Helms to resign.

Liquor company Diageo hosted the dinner Nov. 18 for 28 ABC Board employees and their guests. After the dinner became known publicly, ABC employees and Helms repaid more than $9,000. Diageo paid for its two employees, their spouses and the $2,000 tip.

Helms was the only Mecklenburg ABC director at the dinner. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents said last week that Diageo, its North Carolina marketing director and the Mecklenburg ABC Board violated laws on giving and accepting gifts.

Information from: The Charlotte Observer

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