Smoking and liquor laws in NC (Charlotte: how much, buying, casinos)

[Liberal Coloradan]

My husband is probably going to relocate our family to the Charlotte area this summer. Coming from a state in which smoking is not allowed even in the casinos and liquor of all types is sold 7 days a week, I'd like to know what I'm getting into in NC. (I spent an uncomfortable week in South Carolina choking on the smoke a couple of years ago, and finding wine and liqour was pulling hen's teeth.)
Any input?

[ellemaew]

North Carolina passed a smoking ban for public places in January. As far as liquor, you can get beer and wine at the grocery store, the rest you have to go to an ABC store (they're not too hard to find), and you can't buy any alcohol before noon on Sunday.

[Carolinajean]

Well believe it or not - North Carolina ( Big tobacco state) just outlawed smoking in restaurants and clubs as well as public buildings. I still don't think you can buy alcohol until after 1 pm on Sunday, but that might have changed ( I'm not usually buying alchol on Sundays). So - still more conservative than Colorado, but you can go out to eat without choking on smoke.

[Brooklyn_QueenBee]

Smoking is banned in all restaurants in NC. You can only smoke in cigar bars and country clubs. Your husband should breathe easier.
North Carolina Sets Curbs on Smoking - WSJ.com
Here is the liquor law:
http://restaurants.about.com/gi/o.ht...ial_kinds.aspx
You'll fnd wine in every supermarket, walmart, target and others and liquor is sold six days a week, hours vary. I found the laws frustrating when I had an event and had to fill out forms for purchase. They are trying to curb bootlegging.

[Liberal Coloradan]

A smoking ban in NC...whoa! Now that's progress. How about smoking in grocery stores, public or government buildings? Colorado has a 15 foot no-smoke zone around entrances to buildings. Not ideal but an improvement.
Forms for liqour purchases? How much liquor will trigger that? I just like to make a couple of liquor runs per year. Cuts down on drive time, gas, and general irritation.
All of you have been so helpful. thanks.

[SunnyKayak]

Originally Posted by Liberal Coloradan

A smoking ban in NC...whoa! Now that's progress. How about smoking in grocery stores, public or government buildings? Colorado has a 15 foot no-smoke zone around entrances to buildings. Not ideal but an improvement.
Forms for liqour purchases? How much liquor will trigger that? I just like to make a couple of liquor runs per year. Cuts down on drive time, gas, and general irritation.
All of you have been so helpful. thanks.

We dont have smoking ban on exterior of buildings but most
hospitals do not allow it one foot on its campus.

My pookie came to see when I was in hospital he went out to his car
to smoke and security ask him to leave the premise

[dragon_fly_12]

You'll be fine with the smoking around Charlotte. I'm from MI (smoke in restaurants/bars until recently), and OH (no smoking in any building) .. and am quite comfortable in Charlotte. There are some restaurants that have smoking sections available, but not very noticeable. Most places do not, and a lot of buildings have a minimal feet restriction.

As for liquor... Beer/wine is available 7 days, liquor you have to purchase during specific hours 6 days a week. It is a minor inconvenience, but not so much that its a big deal. Just have plan ahead if you have plans that involve liquor, and you'll be fine.

[Whytewulf]

The ABC stores are all around, so, its not like you have to take a special trip, unless out in the boondocks. I bought 5 bottles Saturday with no issue or form, so not sure what the limit is. I wouldn't doubt you can avoid it unless your buying cases.