Committee begins review of state liquor system

RALEIGH, N.C. — A legislative committee began its examination on Tuesday of whether changes should be made to how North Carolina sells liquor.

The Joint Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control is charged with presenting recommendations to the full legislature when it reconvenes in May.

The 28-member panel heard Tuesday about a 2008 report suggesting the state ABC Commission needs more oversight over local stores.

Gov. Beverly Perdue and others also are interested whether it makes sense to privatize the current state-run system.

The committee, which was formed in the wake of scandals in both New Hanover and Mecklenburg counties, is also looking to establish ethical responsibility, accountability and salaries for local boards.

WRAL Investigates reported that the former New Hanover County ABC board administrator made $244,000 a year, and his son earned $135,000 as his assistant.

The Mecklenburg County ABC had to repay $9,000 to a liquor company that had picked up the tab for an expensive holiday dinner for board members, employees and their families.

The committee's next public hearing is March 24.

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Latest Comments

I have to say, I'm surprised that no one is screaming that privatization will mean children driving drunk in school zones on Sundays, a rise in teen pregnancy rates, increased alcoholism and a rampant drought. Or some other such foolishness like we heard when we had the liquor by the drink fiasco years ago.

The state needs to get out of selling ANYTHING.

There is no need for us to have some of the lowest liquor consumption in the country, combined with the highest tax revenues. But it's typical of NC law and the good ol' boy system.

Do away with it. ASAP.

discowhale
March 10, 2010 11:22 a.m.

Bring on the privatization! I want some Black Sambuca! Some stores carry it, but it's in the back for restaurants.

OzzzMan
March 9, 2010 2:29 p.m.

Agree ... this system is antiquated and it is high time they change to privatization.

thefensk
March 9, 2010 1:26 p.m.

Once we get the SOuthern Baptists out of politics, we can finally abolish the ABC system as the only reason for their existence.

Nikka
March 9, 2010 12:13 p.m.

Time for the State of North Carolina to come of age and get with the program. The dark ages are gone and time for a new light to shine. Make it private. Do we need to mail you guys 100,000 or more milk jugs?

drh3102
March 9, 2010 12:08 p.m.