North Carolina lawmakers consider expanding Sunday alcohol sales
BURGAW, NC (WWAY)– Local ABC stores could soon be open on Sundays. State lawmakers are pushing a new proposal that would allow counties to decide whether ABC stories can open their doors 7 days a week.
Right now, the ABC store in Burgaw is open Monday through Saturday. But under a new proposal moving through the General Assembly, stores that sell alcohol could soon be allowed to open every Sunday — except on major holidays like Easter.
The proposed changes would also allow establishments to serve two mixed drinks at a time and permit stores that sell beer or wine to offer premixed cocktails containing less than 13% alcohol by volume.
Andy Ellen, president of the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, says the proposals would be a major boost for businesses across the state.
“Retailers are currently selling alcohol ranging from a Chardonnay that’s around 13%, to an IPA that’s 8% or 9% alcohol,” Ellen said. “The products we’re talking about selling are in the 4.5% to 5% or 6% alcohol-by-volume range. So, we think it’s a natural fit to let consumers purchase those products while they’re doing their weekly grocery shopping or even while they’re pumping gas.”
But what do local residents think. Burgaw resident Austin Johnson says he doesn’t see any real downside, adding that the older ules on the books were created during a time when religion played a much larger role in shaping state laws.
