A recent article on WCNC.com discusses the possibility of to-go alcohol sales making a comeback in North Carolina. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states, including North Carolina, temporarily allowed restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery. This move provided a much-needed source of revenue for struggling businesses during lockdowns and restrictions.
However, as restrictions are being lifted and businesses are beginning to recover, the future of to-go alcohol sales remains uncertain. The North Carolina House recently passed a bill that would make to-go alcohol sales permanent, but the bill still needs to be approved by the Senate. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing restaurants and bars to continue selling to-go alcohol would make it easier for businesses to attract customers and boost their sales.
Opponents of the bill have expressed concerns about potential negative consequences, such as an increase in drunk driving or underage drinking. They argue that allowing to-go alcohol sales could lead to public safety issues and harm the community. It is important to consider both the economic benefits for businesses and the potential risks for public safety when making a decision on this issue.
As North Carolina continues to navigate the recovery from the pandemic, the debate over to-go alcohol sales will likely continue. It remains to be seen whether the Senate will approve the bill and make to-go alcohol sales a permanent fixture in the state. In the meantime, businesses and policymakers will need to weigh the pros and cons of to-go alcohol sales to determine the best path forward for North Carolina.
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