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Yes, ABC stores close on Sundays. No, that’s not the only way to buy liquor in NC

The Broadslab Distillery outside Benson in Johnston County sells liquor it makes onsite and offers tours of the distilling facility.
The Broadslab Distillery outside Benson in Johnston County sells liquor it makes onsite and offers tours of the distilling facility. cseward@newsobserver.com

North Carolina residents have been trained over the years to get their fifth for the Fourth on the third.

ABC stores, the government-owned liquor marketplaces spread across all but one of the state’s 100 counties, are closed on holidays, including July 4.

But this year, the adage proved less helpful.

The third fell on a Sunday, when ABC stores are also closed, meaning some serious thinking-ahead was required for those wanting to pour a few drinks during the holiday weekend.

However, since late last year, there is another option — distilleries.

Legislators changed the law to allow North Carolina distilleries to sell their own liquor products on Sundays.

Dr. Stewart Darby, a Columbia, S.C. physician enjoys a pineapple drink while camping with his family on his empty lot in Atlantic Beach and watching the bikers on a Friday night.
Dr. Stewart Darby, a Columbia, S.C. physician enjoys a pineapple drink while camping with his family on his empty lot in Atlantic Beach and watching the bikers on a Friday night. JASON LEE jlee@thesunnews.com

Distilleries in the Triangle open on Sundays

In Wake County, there are a couple of options:

In Durham, try one of these:

In Orange County, there don’t seem to be options, as Top of the Hill’s Chapel Hill distillery is closed on Sundays. If a drive to Pittsboro is in order, Fair Game Beverage Company is open.

Vidrio chef Saif Rahman pours drinks for kitchen staff during a short break during dinner service on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, to break fast.
Vidrio chef Saif Rahman pours drinks for kitchen staff during a short break during dinner service on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, to break fast. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published July 3, 2022 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Yes, ABC stores close on Sundays. No, that’s not the only way to buy liquor in NC."

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Mary Helen Moore
The News & Observer
Mary Helen Moore covers Durham for The News & Observer. She grew up in Eastern North Carolina and attended UNC-Chapel Hill before spending several years working in newspapers in Florida. Outside of work, you might find her reading, fishing, baking, or going on walks (mainly to look at plants).
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