North Carolina bill may allow Sunday ABC store openings

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — A bill advancing through the North Carolina General Assembly could soon permit ABC stores to open on Sundays, pending approval by local governments.

House Bill 921, known as the “ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill,” includes a provision that would allow Sunday operations at ABC stores if authorized by local ordinance. Cities and counties could adopt such ordinances following a formal request from their local ABC board.

If approved, Sunday sales could begin as early as 10 a.m. in jurisdictions that already allow similar alcohol sales under existing law; otherwise, stores could open at noon. Local ABC boards would still control the specific hours of operation within those limits.

Currently, ABC stores are closed on Sundays and major holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

If passed, it would mark a major shift in the state’s alcohol laws. The bill was filed last month and was most recently referred to the House Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control.