Alcohol Sales In North Carolina (low income, neighborhoods, to buy)
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Several years ago I had the (un)experience of purchasing alcohol (spirits) while visiting NC. The store was very industrial looking, staff very bossy and unpleasant, prices high. Thinking of relocating to NC in the next several years and, although this is a non issue in that thought process, what gives? I read a recent article how the state run alcohol sales are a disaster and money is lost in a dramatic way year after year. Has anything changed? Is there a push to allow the private industry to replace the state run?
Basically, the state run part (ABC stores) is liquor that is bought and consumed off the premises of where it is sold.
Each local area has their own ABC stores and board that controls these, so a bad experience may just deal with management issues at that particular store or under that particular ABC board.
My biggest concern with private sales (and I might be in a minority) is that when they're badly run, especially in marginal low income neighborhoods, there isn't the political accountability that exists with state ABC stores. Being able to go to an elected official and say "This store needs to be managed better, people are loitering and dealing drugs in the store's parking lot. Do better or I'm going to remember that in the voting booth!" adds some accountability that just doesn't exist with fly by night liquor stores, which you do see more of in the sketchier neighborhoods in other states.
Basically, the state run part (ABC stores) is liquor that is bought and consumed off the premises of where it is sold.
Each local area has their own ABC stores and board that controls these, so a bad experience may just deal with management issues at that particular store or under that particular ABC board.
My biggest concern with private sales (and I might be in a minority) is that when they're badly run, especially in marginal low income neighborhoods, there isn't the political accountability that exists with state ABC stores. Being able to go to an elected official and say "This store needs to be managed better, people are loitering and dealing drugs in the store's parking lot. Do better or I'm going to remember that in the voting booth!" adds some accountability that just doesn't exist with fly by night liquor stores, which you do see more of in the sketchier neighborhoods in other states.
You brought up some good points, because I do not recall anyone loitering outside the store or any indication of criminal/drug activity. Many of the liquor stores around here have just that and are located in economically depressed areas. Guess it's my, "can't see the forest for the trees," moment.
You brought up some good points, because I do not recall anyone loitering outside the store or any indication of criminal/drug activity. Many of the liquor stores around here have just that and are located in economically depressed areas. Guess it's my, "can't see the forest for the trees," moment.
Sure, understood. The bad outside elements may not affect every location equally, and some stores/ABC boards are run better than others. In my mind (and I realize not everyone may share this opinion), having some sort of a board with a chain of command that answers to the citizens in the community is one advantage of the current system, by hopefully weeding out some of the worst case scenarios in having a business that's being a nuisance with an owner who just doesn't care.
Obviously, there are some disadvantages and I'm usually not for systems that are monopolies, so I would understand someone making an argument for a stronger free market system, but I think this is a "unique" operation with externalities onto its neighbors that are a little different than other goods and services.
NC is not unique in having its quirky alcohol laws though, and there is sometimes no rhyme or reason with certain laws being relics of the past.
It is still very annoying that one cannot buy beer or wine before noon on a Sunday.
I thought it was 10AM now.
Not arguing, but my opinion is that : Why not buy on Saturday ? Anytime on Saturday.
For liquor, all stores are state run and closed on Sundays. Again, just stock up on Friday and Saturday to get you through Sunday ?
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