Charlotte area liquor stores to get online ordering, curbside pickup next year
Mecklenburg ABC Board’s chief executive said the agency wants improved customer experience, including online orders and curbside pick-up, slated to begin early next year.
The local board is developing an online ordering system after a new state law passed in September, CEO Keva Walton told Mecklenburg County’s intergovernmental relations committee Thursday.
“It’s clear to me, that’s where the economy is,” he said, referring to online orders across other industries.
The law will allow people to place and pay for an order online for pick-up, and is expected to begin in Mecklenburg in early 2022.
A curbside pickup option is also in development, according to the board, with a pilot program planned for early next year. Home delivery, Walton said, “is a whole other legal challenge” not outlined in the new state law.
North Carolina ABC stores have struggled to keep alcohol on the shelves since this summer, fueled by the lingering pandemic, hiring and supply chain issues. The board operates 29 stores across the county.
Alcohol shortages
It comes as the board, like many in North Carolina, is facing sparse shelves, a bottle-necked supply chain and pressure from bar and restaurant owners. Walton said his agency is increasing hiring and pushing for direct shipments to Mecklenburg to restock faster.
The pandemic has exacerbated the supply chain issues for a wide range of products needed for alcohol production, Walton said, including grapes for cognac, agave for tequila, and glass, paper, aluminum and plastic for packaging and distribution.
Another contributing factor to decreased supply: Mecklenburg residents are drinking more. A lot more, in fact.
As of September 2021, Mecklenburg County “had exceeded 500,000 gallons,” compared with about 300,000 gallons in 2018, he said. The consumption estimate is based on sales at local ABC stores.
Several commissioners, including Mark Jerrell and Pat Cotham, raised concerns about the impact of increased consumption.
Walton said the local liquor board is closely watching that data, as are their substance abuse agency partners. He said they haven’t yet seen a spike in indicators for addiction or other health effects, but those could be months down the road.
Need help?
Connect with local agencies and treatment options for support in recovering from substance abuse by visiting Mecklenburg County’s community resources website.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the Charlotte area are listed at charlotteaa.org.
Anuvia addiction treatment services in Charlotte can be reached at 704-376-7447.
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