Mecklenburg County Restricting Late-Night Alcohol Sales

Cover Image

Mecklenburg County, in conjunction with Charlotte, Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville, have issued a joint proclamation with additional restrictions on some businesses to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning Thursday, last call for alcohol at restaurants and private clubs will be moved up to 11 p.m., with no alcohol allowed to be served between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. No customers can be present for on-site consumption of food and beverages between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Restaurants can continue drive-through, pick-up and delivery services after 11 p.m. as long as there is no consumption of food and beverages on-site.

Restaurants, breweries, wine shops, private clubs, bars, and any other business or organization that are permitted to sell alcohol for onsite customers may not sell alcohol between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and no customers shall be present for onsite consumption of alcohol between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Restaurants that only serve food and non-alcoholic beverages can continue to operate past 11 p.m. as long as social distancing and mask wearing requirements are followed.

In addition, all outdoor activities, events and gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited, with exceptions such as religious gatherings, weddings, funerals, for work, to obtain food or to obtain government services.

“Our most recent data show an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among young adults. We received reports and evidence of large numbers of mostly younger residents gathering in various establishments with no face coverings or social distancing. This is not conducive to slowing the spread of this virus,” said Mecklenburg County Deputy Health Director, Dr. Raynard Washington. “This thoughtful, carefully constructed approach will lessen the opportunity for our residents to put themselves and their loved ones in harm’s way.”

The restrictions do not apply to alcohol sold at convenience and grocery stores, wine and liquor stores or retail businesses. They will remain in effect while North Carolina is in Phase Two of the Stay Safer At Home order that’s currently in effect until August 7. The towns of Cornelius and Huntersville are not participating in the alcohol sales ban.