Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill that modifies the current alcohol laws in North Carolina on Sept. 10, including allowing online orders at ABC stores and the purchase of a second alcoholic beverage at college sporting events.
House Bill 890 grants patrons the ability to place online orders at ABC stores beginning Oct. 1. A requirement for picking up online orders is the order must be picked up by the person who made the order. Customers will be provided an identifier number to present along with their identification when picking up orders.
UNC senior Kiana Burns is excited about this change, saying she believes online orders will be helpful for increasing sales at local ABC stores.
"I always end up running to the ABC store too late, so I never make it to get my order in," Burns said. "Also, you won’t have to do that awkward search, especially since senior year is when everyone turns 21, so they don’t know how to approach an ABC store.”
UNC senior Kwame Amankwah believes this change will make ABC stores more accessible, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is especially easier for people who may be immunocompromised,” Amankwah said.
H.B. 890 will also allow spectators at college or university athletic events or facilities throughout the state to purchase up to two alcoholic beverages at a time during events. This change became effective once the bill was signed into law.
"There are definitely going to be more drunk people at (football games)," Burns said.
Amankwah does not believe the bill will have much impact on sales.
