Can you take your kids inside liquor stores in NC? It depends. Here’s what to know
If you’re out running errands with your kids and have a liquor store trip on the to do list, you may be tempted to stop by an ABC store with them in tow.
But some cities and counties in North Carolina have laws that prevent minors of certain ages from entering liquor stores. Here’s what to know.
Can you take your kids inside liquor stores in NC?
Most of the time, as long as you’re with them, but some municipalities have laws that bar teenagers from entering liquor stores.
For example, Mecklenburg County ABC Board policy states that “children under the age of 18 may enter our stores, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.”
However, the City of Lenoir prohibits anyone 16-20 years old from entering liquor stores. Greensboro has a similar policy that bans those 17-20 years old.
Why does NC have separate liquor stores?
ABC stands for Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The ABC system was designed to regulate the sale, transport and possession of alcohol in the state, “and to provide procedures to insure the proper administration of the ABC laws under a uniform system,” according to state law.
In 1908, North Carolina voted to ban alcohol, with Prohibition going into effect in 1909, a decade before national Prohibition began in 1920, according to Digital NC, a blog run by the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center.
The end of nationwide Prohibition in 1933 did not immediately change North Carolina’s stance, Digital NC says. However, light wine and beer sales were allowed after national Prohibition ended, and the state did not fully legalize liquor sales until the establishment of the ABC system in 1937, according to NCpedia, an online encyclopedia about North Carolina.
Today, beer, wine and alcoholic seltzers can be bought in many grocery and convenience stores throughout the state every day of the week.
This story was originally published January 16, 2025 at 3:51 PM with the headline "Can you take your kids inside liquor stores in NC? It depends. Here’s what to know."
