NC alcohol board reimburses liquor company $9,000

CHARLOTTE — The chairman and top officers of North Carolina’s largest local enforcer of state alcohol laws has reimbursed an international liquor company $9,000 for a holiday dinner they were treated to last month.

The Charlotte Observer reports Wednesday the payback comes as the state Alcohol Law Enforcement Division investigates the dinner at Del Frisco’s steakhouse. The state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission can remove local board members and employees who violate state laws on accepting gifts.

Mecklenburg County ABC board chairman Parks Helms said the dinner was a mistake. He said the dinner for 28 people may have appeared improper, and the board will revise its policies.

London-based Diageo had paid the bill. Its brands include Smirnoff vodka and Johnnie Walker Scotch.

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