NC ABC Commission

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, approved by the General Assembly in 1937, established a State Board of Control, consisting of a Chairman and two associate members appointed by the Governor. Today, this State Board of Control is known as the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission) and possesses all the powers and authority outlined in Section 18B-203 of the General Statutes. The overall objective of the Commission is to maintain uniform control over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, advertising, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages in the State. In addition to administering and regulating the laws established by the General Assembly, the Commission has the authority to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to fulfill its objective. Examples of duties include:

• Issuing all alcohol permits for commercial and retail activities.
• Prosecuting and imposing sanctions against permit holders who violate ABC laws and Commission rules.
• Approving all alcoholic beverage products sold in the state.
• Overseeing county and municipal ABC Boards within the state.

The ABC Commission is a self-supported agency with a special operating fund created in 1982 to carry out its mission. The Commission contributes to the state’s general fund through deposits from collected fees and excise taxes.