North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday a new order that bans businesses from selling alcohol between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Executive Order 153 is targeted to address businesses statewide that have stayed in operation late at night while selling limited to no food, effectively functioning as a bar.
Bars are still not permitted to open in North Carolina due to the coronavirus, despite legislative and legal pressure attempting to allow these establishments to reopen.
Cooper’s order Tuesday justifies the late-night alcohol ban because inebriated individuals are less likely to follow social distancing mandates, according to the order. The ban applies to restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and other establishments that sell alcohol. Local governments are permitted to impose more restrictive requirements related to the alcohol ban but may not enforce less restrictive alcohol-related policies.
Unlike the mask mandate, which places the brunt of the enforcement burden on business owners, the late-night alcohol ban will be enforced by local law enforcement offices and the ALE.
The order will remain in effect through Aug. 31.
Also at the press conference, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen noted that several key Covid-19 metrics appeared to be stabilizing and leveling off across the state. However, Cohen said that “glimmers of potential progress” meant it was time to reinforce efforts to stem the disease, not relax.
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