North Carolina ABC Commission cracks down on illegal alcohol sales from out of state

CHARLOTTE — At least a half-dozen out-of-state alcohol retailers have drawn the attention of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission for illegally shipping liquor into the state.

Cease-and-desist letters were sent to sellers in at least four different states for selling through the internet and shipping it directly to North Carolina residents.

Under state law, its illegal for wholesale dealers or out-of-state businesses to ship alcoholic drinks to anyone without the appropriate permitting.

Among the alleged violators are Frootbat, from Lewes, Delaware, Irokos Group, from Millbury, Massachusetts, LaPresa Liquor & Deli/The Barrel Tap, from Spring Valley, California, Mission Trails Market, also known as SipWhiskey.com, from San Diego, California, Caskers, from Albany, New York, and Vino Fine Wine and Spirits of New York, New York, according to the North Carolina Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association.

The cease-and-desist letters gives the sellers 30 days to show proof that applicable state taxes. If not, a violation of the law is a felony in North Carolina.

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