Mecklenburg bars, restaurants get aid for lost alcohol sales from $1 million program

Charlotte area restaurants and bars can get some economic relief for alcohol sales losses due to closings because of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Mecklenburg County ABC board on Tuesday approved a buy-back program starting Wednesday to May 14 for restaurants and bars to return unused liquor bottles. The board set aside up to $1 million toward providing refunds, according to a press release.

“Our board is committed to doing their part by joining in support of state and local relief and recovery efforts in response to this unprecedented economic disruption to our valued customers’ businesses,” said ABC board CEO Jason Hughes.

The county Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board manages the sale of liquor to restaurants and bars, and separately operates retail stores.

Restaurant and bar owners may file for a one-time return of up to 100 bottles, not to exceed $3,000 in retail value, purchased from Jan. 1 to March 17. Taxes are not included.

Inventory will be accepted by appointment at the main facility at 3333 N. Tryon St. An invoice must be included.

The board’s accounting staff will calculate the amount due to the customer and issue a refund check within 10 business days, the release said. To make an appointment, call 704-731-5828.

‘Essential business’

Gov. Roy Cooper ordered restaurants and bars to close on March 17, except to offer take-out only, to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The ABC stores are deemed “essential business” under Mecklenburg County’s stay-at-home order that began March 26.

Last month, Hughes said restaurant and bar sales dropped 47.5% compared to a year ago, while store sales jumped nearly 30%.

ABC store safety steps

The local and state ABC officials also have put several new practices into place since last month:

▪ Stores close two hours earlier than usual. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

▪ Ten Mecklenburg ABC stores are 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for people age 65 and older to shop.

▪ Store workers will retrieve items and direct customers to the checkout to pay to maintain social distancing.

▪ ABC stores are hiring.

▪ A grace period for all restaurant and bar permit registrations and renewals through June 30. Payments are normally due by April 30.

▪ For events that have been or will be canceled during the state of emergency, the commission is allowing permit holders to reschedule them without having to submit a new application.

▪ ABC officials have approved requests from several distilleries across the state to distill and donate hand sanitization solution.

Big sellers

These are the top 15 selling items since COVID–19 operating procedures started March 19 at county ABC stores:

1. Tito’s Vodka, 1.75 liter

2. Hennessy VS Cognac, .75 liter

3. Tito’s Vodka, .75 liter

4. Patron Silver Tequila, .75 liter

5. Hennessy VS Cognac, .375 liter

6. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, 1.75 liter

7. Smirnoff 80 proof Vodka, 1.75 liter

8. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, .75 liter

9. Crown Royal Regal Apple, .75 liter

10. Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, .75 liter

11. Woodford Reserve Bourbon, .75 liter

12. Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, 1.75 liter

13. Jameson Irish Whiskey, .75 liter

14. Crown Royal Peach, .75 liter

15. Grey Goose Vodka, .75 liter

Note: The word “whiskey” and “whisky” are spelled differently depending on where it’s produced.

This story was originally published April 14, 2020 at 4:35 PM with the headline "Mecklenburg bars, restaurants get aid for lost alcohol sales from $1 million program."