Columbus County voters narrowly approve expanded alcohol sales in referendum

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Alcohol sales will be expanding in unincorporated parts of Columbus County following a referendum on Tuesday’s ballot.

The referendum asked voters whether malt beverages, unfortified wine, and mixed beverages should be allowed for sale.

With all 16 precincts reporting, all measures passed.

To permit the on-premises and off-premises sale of malt beverages, 50.78% voted for and 49.22% voted against.

To permit the on-premises and off-premises sale of unfortified wine, 50.63% voted for and 49.37% voted against.

To permit the sale of mixed beverages in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theatres, and convention centers and the on-premises and off-premises sale of malt beverages and unfortified wine in qualified establishments, 54.56% voted for and 45.44% voted against.

To permit local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other state and local sales and use taxes, 58.49% voted for and 41.51% voted against.

WWAY previously reported on the referendum, and the debate.

Results on election night are always unofficial.

Canvass is the official process of determining all votes have been counted and tabulated correctly, resulting in the authentication of the official election results.

The canvass typically happens 10 days after election day.