Get Involved Now

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Free the Spirits NC

Free the Spirits NC

Together we can fix our broken ABC liquor control system.

  • Home
  • News
    • Updates
    • In the News
    • Press Releases
  • About
    • FAQs
    • Media Kit
    • Contact
  • Get Involved

McGrady Champions Bill to Modernize ABC System in North Carolina

April 25, 2019 by Margo Metzger

HB971 aims to fix NC’s antiquated and inefficient system of selling distilled spirits

Download this Press Release

Raleigh, N.C. (April 25, 2019) – Representative Chuck McGrady (R-117, Henderson County) continues his efforts to modernize North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) system with today’s filing of House Bill 971 [Modern Licensure Model for Alcohol Control.] Believing that North Carolina’s 80 year-old system for the distribution and sale of distilled spirits is outdated and inefficient, HB971 reforms the longstanding government management of the wholesale and retail sale of distilled spirits. The bill’s other primary sponsors are Rep. Jon Hardister (R-59), Rep. Jason Saine (R-97) and Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-61).

The current ABC control laws have been on the books since the repeal of Prohibition in 1937, and very little has changed in the past 80 years with respect to how they operate. Rep. McGrady and his co-sponsors believe that these outdated laws not only fail to meet the demands of today’s consumers, but they constrain opportunities for economic growth and create undue hardships for small business owners who sell liquor to North Carolina’s consumers.

“North Carolina would benefit much more from a ‘licensure system’ modeled on the way we currently sell beer and wine,” said McGrady, who co-chairs ABC Committee in the state House. “This licensure model has been very successful in ensuring public safety and preserving local revenue streams — all while streamlining operations and enabling private sector investment. And a recent report by the nonpartisan Program Evaluation Division reveals that many ABC boards are not only inefficient but fail to produce the revenues one would expect from a monopoly — which is exactly what they are.”

In the United States, each state has the authority to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol within its borders; laws and regulations vary widely from state to state and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Only seventeen states have adopted forms of the ‘control model’ for the wholesale distribution of liquor; of those, thirteen control retail distribution. North Carolina is the only state in the nation where local government boards have total control over retail liquor sales to consumers and businesses.

And whereas most states only have one liquor control authority, North Carolina has 170 different ABC boards. Varying in size from two to six members, they are appointed by local city councils and county boards — a patronage system fertile for corruption. A scathing report by State Auditor Beth Wood (D) revealed last year that state-run liquor stores were rife with problems, having wasted millions of taxpayer dollars through years of mismanagement.

“Inevitably, there will be scandals and shenanigans directly resulting from having state and local liquor monopolies,” concluded McGrady. “It’s time for North Carolina to turn the page on this antiquated system — I believe that our citizens and our businesses are ready to be treated like we live in the 21st century.”

HB971 is the latest effort by Rep. McGrady to modernize the ABC laws. This proposed law builds on the successful passage of several of his “beer bills” that have made it easier for small businesses to produce, distribute, and sell beer in North Carolina — facilitating our state’s craft beer renaissance and its accompanying economic contributions.

For North Carolina residents to learn more information and easily contact legislators in support of HB971, visit www.FreetheSpiritsNC.com or text FIXABC to 52886 to receive updates about the bill and other ways to become involved.

Press Releases Chuck McGrady,  Jason Saine,  Jon Hardister,  Pricey Harrison

Join the Conversation (via Twitter)

See the Latest (via Instagram)

Join the Conversation (via Twitter)

#freethespirits

Seth_PalmerSeth Palmer@Seth_Palmer·
18 Nov

My friend @IsaVillaGarcia reminding us of the draconian method North Carolinians acquire specialty liquor. Gotta be a better way #freethespirits #freethebourbon

Isabel Villa-García@IsaVillaGarcia

Freedom!! Unless you want liquor... To all of my Wake friends, make sure you get in on the Holiday Liquor Lottery #freethespirits http://wakeabc.com/lottery/

Reply on Twitter 1329110526157348864Retweet on Twitter 1329110526157348864Like on Twitter 1329110526157348864Twitter 1329110526157348864
IsaVillaGarciaIsabel Villa-García@IsaVillaGarcia·
18 Nov

Freedom!! Unless you want liquor... To all of my Wake friends, make sure you get in on the Holiday Liquor Lottery #freethespirits http://wakeabc.com/lottery/

Reply on Twitter 1329105975782072321Retweet on Twitter 1329105975782072321Like on Twitter 13291059757820723211Twitter 1329105975782072321
scottycysUp to no good@scottycys·
12 Nov

@crazybulll #freethespirits

Reply on Twitter 1326695435252113413Retweet on Twitter 1326695435252113413Like on Twitter 1326695435252113413Twitter 1326695435252113413
IsaVillaGarciaIsabel Villa-García@IsaVillaGarcia·
5 Nov

Hahah yes! #freethespirits #ncpol #ncga

Colin Campbell@RaleighReporter

Working on my annual "but how did alcohol do in this year's election?" story, and the answer is...quite well. Might be one of the few things that had bipartisan support this year #ncpol

Reply on Twitter 1324467439468449794Retweet on Twitter 1324467439468449794Like on Twitter 13244674394684497941Twitter 1324467439468449794
Load More...

See the Latest (via Instagram)

ncrla

Tenacious advocate for hospitality businesses

ncrla
Coronavirus continues to devastate the restaurant Coronavirus continues to devastate the restaurant industry. Check out the link in our bio for the most recent survey data provided by the National Restaurant Association.

#COVID19impact #RestaurantIndustry #NCRLA #ChooseRestaurants
ServSafe Harassment Training: Protect Employees, C ServSafe Harassment Training: Protect Employees, Customers, and Your Business

ServSafe Workplace is a new suite of training programs that focuses on creating and sustaining a safe and appropriate work environment for all employees. Get trained with ServSafe's Sexual Harassment Prevention for the Restaurant Industry program to help create a harassment-free workplace.

Click the link in bio for more information.
Stand in solidarity with the Black community by su Stand in solidarity with the Black community by supporting Black-owned restaurants! On 6/11, post a photo of your takeout meal from a Black-owned restaurant and tag #thegreatamericantakeout. For every post, a $5 donation will go to @blklivesmatter (up to $20K)!
NCRLA has partnered with Durham signage company, S NCRLA has partnered with Durham signage company, Signs Unlimited, to bring you Count on Me NC floor decals.

Promote your commitment and guest pledge to your customers while also alerting them to uphold social distance guidelines.

To place your order, visit link in bio.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

Log in as an administrator and view the Instagram Feed settings page for more details.

Copyright © 2021 Free the Spirits NC · All Rights Reserved · Website by Tomatillo Design