In 1937 North Carolina's General Assembly created a uniform system of controlling and regulating the sale of distilled spirits. A State Board of Control - The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission was established to oversee the issuance of alcohol permits, develop liquor administrative codes, determine product selections and establish uniform prices throughout the State.

Control State

New Hanover County ABC -  our history

January 20, 2022         9:00 A.M.

February 17, 2022       9:00 A.M.

March 17, 2022            9:00 A.M.

April 21, 2022               9:00 A.M.

May 19, 2022               9:00 A.M.

June 16, 2022              9:00 A.M.

​July 21, 2022                9:00 A.M.

August 25, 2022           9:00 A.M.

September 15, 2022     9:00 A.M.

October 20, 2022          9:00 A.M.

November 17, 2022      9:00 A.M.

December 15, 2022      9:00 A.M.

Board Meeting Schedule

The New Hanover County ABC Board was established under Session Law 1935-418 which was ratified May 11, 1935. The date of first retail sales was August 2, 1935.

The New Hanover County ABC Board was expanded from three members to five members effective October 1, 2010.

Board Chair - Bruce Shell

Board Vice-Chair - Cedric Dickerson

Board Member - William Rivenbark

Board Member - Angela Barr

Board Member - Thomas Wolfe


General Manager- Charles Hill

Board Members

The Goals of the Board and its employees are to achieve a reasonable balance in five general areas: (1) providing a high level of customer service, (2) contributing to the Boards beneficiaries, (3) maintaining a knowledgeable and dedicated workforce, (4) supporting efforts to ensure the legal sell and control of alcoholic beverages (5) maintaining sufficient working capital to sustain the future.​

The Facts - ABC Board Basics

NHC ABC

Our Goals