North Carolina Lawmakers Consider Alcohol Deregulation Bills

This week North Carolina legislators will begin considering measures that would loosen some of the state's alcohol regulations. 

House Bill 536 would allow bar customers to order up to four drinks at once. Current state law prevents restaurants and bars from serving customers more than one drink at a time, in order to prevent purchases on behalf of underage patrons.

The bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Chuck McGrady. McGrady tells The News and Observer the current law is a “silly sort of Prohibition-era type regulation” that prevents patrons from being able to buy a round of drinks.

His legislation would also allow ABC stores to open between noon and 5pm on Sundays.

Last week, McGrady filed a separate bill that would allow for privately owned liquor stores in the state.

The hospitality and retail industries support the proposed changes.  But the bills face opposition from some religious groups, who believe the current government-run ABC system helps reduce alcohol-related problems.