ABC Commission Coverage

Armadillo Grill closes after having alcohol license suspended

Armadillo Grill has closed its Glenwood Avenue location in Raleigh, owners announced Wednesday.

Kathy Hanrahan, WRAL lifestyle editor

ABC adds 10 more 'Monday Night Football' games to help plug the hole left by Hollywood strikes

New York (CNN) -- "Monday Night Football" is back on ABC because of the ongoing strikes disrupting Hollywood.

By Jordan Valinsky, CNN Business

New NC bill allowing happy hour, Sunday liquor sales

After closed-door talks, a bill reworking North Carolina's ABC rules emerged at the legislature Tuesday. Among other things, it contemplates whiskey riding a rocket into orbit.

NC lawmakers try again on Sunday liquor sales, consider tax break for Durham space whiskey

After closed-door talks, a bill reworking North Carolina's ABC rules emerged at the legislature Tuesday. Among other things, it contemplates whiskey riding a rocket into orbit.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter and Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

7 arrested after raid at 'illegal' bar in Raleigh

Seven people were arrested Saturday after a raid at an "illegal" bar in Raleigh.

Bipartisan bill would legalize happy hour in North Carolina

On Monday, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers filed a bill that would allow individual cities and counties to legalize limited-time drink specials and promotions.

Drink it up: Bipartisan bill would legalize happy hour in North Carolina

Bars and restaurants want to reform North Carolina's alcohol laws, some of which date back to Prohibition. But any changes will face stiff opposition from religious groups, who are influential at the Republican-controlled state legislature.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Business booms at NC ABC stores: Sales hit all-time high $213 million in December 2022

It's the first time a single month's sales topped $200 million.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Cooper OK's bills for loosened alcohol laws, free rape kits and added domestic abuse protections

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a string of measures. The laws ease restrictions on bar owners, strengthen domestic violence protections and provide sexual assault victims free rape kits.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

Sharing your contact info to get a drink at a food-less bar? NC law seeks to overhaul requirement

As North Carolina lawmakers look to conclude their legislative agenda for the year, the Senate Rules Committee advanced a measure to ease regulations on bar owners.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

Fayetteville hookah lounge shut down after fatal shooting, owner charged with lying to police

The owner of a Fayetteville hookah lounge that was the site of of a recent fatal shooting has been charged with lying to police, while an ALE investigation has led to his business being closed.

NC lawmakers want to legalize happy hour

North Carolina is one of just eight states that don't currently allow happy-hour drink sales. State lawmakers want to change that.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Lawmakers aim to give cities a say whether to allow happy hour

Currently, happy hour drink specials are not legal in North Carolina.

Bar owners push to change antiquated alcohol laws, which they say invade privacy

Bar owners are pushing North Carolina lawmakers to update some of the country's most antiquated alcohol laws - many of which they say are unfair and invade people's privacy.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Cooper directs state agencies to end contracts and operations that benefit Russia

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says his executive order comes in response to Russian forces attacking Ukraine.

By Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter & Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Head of NC alcohol board resigns, cites stress

A.D. "Zander" Guy submitted his resignation on Friday to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who appointed him to the chairmanship in early 2017.

Brewery sues NC ABC Commission after beer label deemed 'inappropriate'

The artwork on the label contains the silhouette of a naked cartoon man standing next to a campfire. It was created by artist Ralph Steadman, who frequently collaborated with "gonzo" journalism founder Hunter S. Thompson.

Kathy Hanrahan, WRAL lifestyle editor

Bar owners, forced to close, see liquor licenses cancelled by state ABC

"This is just additional insult to injury," an industry group leader says after bar owners are surprised by permit cancellations.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

Raleigh Starbar's liquor license suspended after uptick in violent crimes

The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission announced Friday it had suspended the ABC permits for a Raleigh business, Starbar, on Friday.

Jason O. Boyd, WRAL multiplatform producer

Tyra Banks to host, produce 'Dancing with the Stars'

ABC says Tyra Banks will host the hit dancing competition "Dancing With The Stars." She will also be executive producer.

NC liquor sales soar during pandemic

There was some controversy when Gov. Roy Cooper ordered non-essential businesses to close down, including retail stores, but locally run ABC stores were allowed to stay open.Turns out that decision was a boon for business.

Last-minute bill would refund fees closed bars paid for alcohol permits

Without the measure, bars that can't open would still owe the state money for their permits.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

Surge in liquor sales offset by bar, restaurant closures

April sales of liquor in North Carolina may not be quite as high as the month before, as state and county leaders began putting stay-at-home orders in place to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. But that doesn't mean North Carolinians aren't still buying a lot more booze.

Tyler Dukes, WRAL investigative reporter

Lawmakers consider take-out mixed drink sales during pandemic

Signs of support for two-drink maximum with takeout, delivery meals.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter, & Kathy Hanrahan, Out and About editor

Fact check: Why are North Carolina liquor stores considered 'essential?'

Gov. Roy Cooper has issued a stay-at-home order and deemed some businesses "essential." Gas stations, grocery stores and North Carolina's state-run liquor stores are all allowed to stay open. Why? PolitiFact investigates.

Paul Specht, PolitiFact reporter