NC Bill Would Allow Liquor Stores to Open on Labor Day for Democratic Convention

North Carolina legislators are considering allowing liquor stores to open on Labor Day, when an estimated 35,000 people will be in Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention. The proposed bill would allow liquor stores to remain open in Mecklenberg County, which includes Charlotte. The bill passed in the House, and now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass. Governor Beverly Perdue has said she would sign it.

The convention is expected to generate millions of dollars for the state, according to The Wall Street Journal. Hard liquor is only sold in state-regulated stores in North Carolina. The stores, which are closed Sundays and holidays, supply restaurants and bars. Some state legislators said they were concerned that smaller bars and restaurants do not have the room to stock enough liquor in advance.

Beer and wine can be sold in retail stores all week, except for Sunday mornings.

The convention will kick off on Labor Day—Monday, September 3—with an event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It officially begins September 4.

This year, Indianapolis, which hosted the Super Bowl, changed its laws to allow retail permit holders to sell alcohol on that day, as well as the prior Sunday, within the downtown Super Bowl zone.