About Us

Did you know?

• The first retail sales by the Lexington ABC Board were January 14, 1972.
• The Board operates two retail stores with full- and part-time employees.
• In North Carolina, a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% is sufficient for a Driving While Impaired (DWI) conviction.
• Board members are appointed by the Lexington Board of Commissioners.
• A required share of profits funds law enforcement and substance-use education and treatment in the community.

In 1937, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) bill that:

• Allowed voters in each county to determine whether spirituous liquor should be sold at retail through a local ABC Board and its stores; and
• Established a North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission with oversight of each local ABC Board.

Following state legislation, local voters decided to allow the sale of alcohol in Lexington. Today's employees work in warehousing, store operations, and law enforcement—serving residents and visitors who choose to purchase spirits.

Currently one of 17 states and jurisdictions (including parts of Alaska, Maryland, Minnesota, and South Dakota) with some form of the "control" model, North Carolina gave local jurisdictions a vote on which types of alcohol may be sold.

In North Carolina, spirits are only sold in ABC stores, and spirits are all an ABC store can sell. Beer and wine are available at grocery and convenience stores. Some counties established an ABC system; others did so at the city or municipal level.

ABC Boards are local, independent political subdivisions of the State. They set their own policies and procedures in conformity with ABC laws and Commission rules.

The North Carolina ABC Commission is an independent agency housed in the NC Department of Public Safety with a direct report to the Governor's Office. The Commission provides uniform control over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages in the state.

The Lexington ABC Board operates solely on revenue from spirit sales in Lexington. There is no property, state, or other local tax used to support ABC operations.

The Lexington ABC Board does much more than sell spirits. North Carolina law requires the Board to distribute a percentage of its gross profits before distribution:

• No less than 5% for law enforcement services; and
• No less than 7% for alcohol and/or substance abuse (substance use disorder) education, prevention, treatment, and/or research.

Money is then set aside as cash to operate the system. The balance of net profits is distributed according to a schedule established by local voters.

Rich in history and looking to the future, the Lexington ABC Board serves county residents and visitors—making health, well-being, and safety a priority for all.

Visit our store locations to find us, review our policies and FAQs, or explore educational resources on alcohol laws and responsible consumption.