Sen. Gunn, Association of ABC Boards Push for Buyback Program

Plan would allow bars, restaurants to sell their alcohol back to ABC

Raleigh, N.C.–Sen. Rick Gunn (R-Alamance) and the North Carolina Association of ABC Boards today pushed for bars and restaurants to be permitted to sell their alcohol back to ABC stores.

Sen. Gunn said, “This program would help struggling bar and restaurant owners raise needed cash to withstand the economic shutdown. This is the hardest hit sector in our economy, and this is a simple step we can take now to help deliver some relief.”

Sen. Gunn has earned the affectionate nickname “Senator Funn” for his longstanding support (both personal and professional) of the hospitality and entertainment industries.

The resolution passed by the Association of ABC Boards supports local ABC policies to allow local boards to enact a policy to “allow any bottles that have been purchased since January 1, 2020 to be returned for a refund at current retail price, less the mixed beverage tax.”

To execute the recommendations, local ABC boards would have to adopt local policies to implement the buyback program.” At that time, bars and restaurants within that locality would be able to begin selling their unused liquor back to the ABC stores.