ABC Bill Highlights Growing Interest in Barrel Picks and Local Control of Liquor Sales

When North Carolina consumers walk into an ABC store looking for a special-edition bourbon or whiskey, what they find often depends on decisions made by local government-appointed liquor boards.

That reality is drawing renewed attention as state lawmakers consider legislation backed by State Sen. Tim Moffitt, a Republican whose district includes Rutherford, Polk and Henderson counties. 

House Bill 198 would make numerous changes to North Carolina's alcohol laws, including expanded tastings, allowing certain alcoholic whipped cream products to be sold legally, and permitting restaurants and bars to purchase liquor from ABC stores outside their home county.

While much of the discussion has focused on consumer convenience, the legislation also shines a spotlight on the unique way North Carolina regulates liquor sales and how local ABC boards influence what products reach store shelves.

What are barrel picks?

One increasingly popular feature at many ABC stores is the sale of private barrel selections, often referred to as "barrel picks."

In these programs, an ABC board or its representatives select a specific barrel of bourbon, whiskey or another spirit from a distillery. Bottles from that barrel are then sold as a limited-edition release available only through that board's stores.

The bottles often carry special labels identifying the local ABC board.

In Lake Lure, for example, the local ABC board recently offered a series of special barrel selections commemorating Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, and Bat Cave. Some local officials publicly promoted the release during town council meetings.

Although barrel picks are unique products, pricing remains regulated under North Carolina's control-state system. Unlike private liquor states, where retailers may set their own prices, North Carolina uses state-established pricing formulas and markups.

Not all ABC boards operate the same

While consumers may assume all ABC stores operate identically, local boards often make different decisions regarding inventory, special orders, barrel selections, and product promotions.

Rutherford County is served by three separate ABC systems:

• Forest City ABC

• Rutherfordton ABC

• Lake Lure ABC

Each board operates independently under state law and is governed by members appointed by local elected officials.

As a result, product availability can vary from one jurisdiction to another. One board may pursue exclusive barrel picks while another may focus on maintaining broader inventory selections or promoting North Carolina-made products.

Consumers seeking a particular bottle often compare inventories among the county's three ABC systems because each board has authority over its own purchasing decisions within state regulations.

Public boards, not private businesses

Unlike privately owned liquor stores found in many states, North Carolina ABC stores are government-created entities.

Under Chapter 18B of the North Carolina General Statutes, local ABC boards are considered independent political subdivisions of the state.

Board members oversee public assets, approve budgets, hire management, manage contracts, and distribute revenues generated from liquor sales.

The boards operate independently but remain subject to oversight by the North Carolina ABC Commission, public records laws, open meetings requirements and state ethics rules.

Because profits generated through ABC sales are distributed to local governments, law enforcement agencies and alcohol education programs, board decisions can have broader impacts beyond what appears on store shelves.

Proposed changes could expand local opportunities

Supporters of House Bill 198 argue that loosening certain alcohol regulations would modernize North Carolina's ABC system while preserving local control.

Among other provisions, the legislation would allow liquor tastings inside ABC stores, potentially creating additional opportunities for local boards to showcase specialty products, including barrel selections and North Carolina-made spirits.

The bill would also allow ABC stores greater flexibility in how they promote North Carolina products.

For consumers interested in limited-edition bourbons and whiskey releases, those changes could mean more opportunities to sample products before purchasing and greater visibility for special selections offered by local boards.

While lawmakers continue debating broader alcohol policy, one thing remains clear: in North Carolina, where you buy your liquor still matters.

The bottle on the shelf may be selected, promoted, and sold through a government-run system managed not by a private retailer, but by locally appointed public officials making decisions that can vary from town to town — even within the same county.