ABC, CMPD, ALE working to clear up confusion over Meck County alcohol restrictions

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — State and local alcohol enforcement agencies met Friday to clear up some major confusion over restrictions.

Customers and even a few business owners seem to be confused over whether or not you can sit at a bar in Mecklenburg County right now and the confusion stems from two alcohol restrictions -- the county’s and the state’s.

The county’s order does not allow seating at bars while the state’s order does.

Mecklenburg County’s order was set to expire Aug. 7, so some restaurants reopened bar seating and the county’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission supported that.

Residents told us they’re under the impression that the county’s alcohol restriction is no longer in effect, however, local leaders said that’s not the case.

The county’s ordinance is set to expire after the state moves into Phase 3 of reopening, which has not happened yet. The earliest that could happen is Sept. 11. Officials said Saturday that Mecklenburg County’s joint proclamation is still in place.

ABC officials are pleading with businesses to comply with social distance protocols. They want places to be open and responsible.

“We realize this situation is about lives and livelihoods,” ABC CEO Keva Walton said. “It is critical we come together as a community to address how do we deal with this new reality.”

If a complaint is filed, ABC, Alcohol Law Enforcement and CMPD will all respond to the call. The first step will always be to educate people.

ABC officials said the focus now is on overcrowding and repeat problem locations. Penalties for non-compliance could be a warning, a violation and/or a citation.

There was still no clarification about the difference between a private club and restaurant or whether private clubs can be open.

Mecklenburg County’s proclamation says the restriction on bar seating will expire when the state moves into Phase Three, which the earliest that could happen is Sept. 11.

When Clyde Thomas opened 1501 South Mint Street In December he had big plans. In March, COVID-19 hit and he was forced to shut down.

He has since reopened and has been making it work with a food truck and plenty of outdoor seating, but last week local ABC officers came in and told him because he’s a private club he would have to close, leaving him confused.

“At this point like I said this is my plan A and Z. So if I do close, I doubt I’ll be able to open back up again,” Thomas said.

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Cox Media Group