Alcohol News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

State lawmaker wants to explore cost of privatizing NC liquor sales

Some lawmakers want ABC stores to go private in North Carolina, one of 17 states that control liquor sales.

Privatize NC's liquor sales? Leader of DOGE-style group wants to explore the cost

Members of the state House of Representatives' committee on government efficiency grilled the leader of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, pressing him on the benefits of state-controlled liquor.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

New report shows alcohol linked to seven types of cancer

Whether it's a glass of wine or a pint of beer, alcohol is a regular component of many social events. But doctors say many Americans are unaware of alcohol's link to cancer. New research finds that alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including throat, esophagus, colon, breast and liver cancers.

Alcohol Law Enforcement arrests bartended in connection to late night activity at StarBar

Law enforcement is cracking down on StarBar following a shooting earlier this month. The Alcohol Law Enforcement revoked the bar's liquor license, now one employee has now been charged in connection with the shooting.

Neighbors worry suspension of liquor license at StarBar won't stop the violence

Residents living nearby Raleigh's StarBar are concerned about the effectiveness of the night club's liquor license suspension. With the bar's past license revocations and continuing investigations, the community watches closely for potential changes.

Fears of pandemic-level job losses in US hospitality industry over tariff threats

A potential 200% tariff on European Union wines is scheduled for April 2. It threatens to significantly increase prices and disrupt supply for U.S. businesses, including small wine shops and restaurants that rely heavily on EU imports.

Cabernet crackdown: Looming tariffs could double or triple prices of wine

A potential 200% tariff on European Union wines is scheduled for April 2. It threatens to significantly increase prices and disrupt supply for U.S. businesses, including small wine shops and restaurants that rely heavily on EU imports.

TRESSIE MCMILLAN COTTOM: Dry January is driving me to drink

Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 -- Do or do not, as Yoda might say. But please shut up about it, as I definitely would say.

US surgeon general wants cancer risk warning on alcoholic beverages

Alcohol is a leading preventable cause of cancer, and alcoholic beverages should carry a warning label as packs of cigarettes do, the U.S. surgeon general said Friday.

Surgeon General Calls for Cancer Warnings on Alcohol

Alcohol is a leading preventable cause of cancer, and alcoholic beverages should carry a warning label as packs of cigarettes do, the U.S. surgeon general said Friday.

Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times

US surgeon general urges warnings for alcoholic drinks

Federal health officials say not enough Americans recognize alcohol as a risk factor for cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General thinks adding a warning to the label will help with prevention.

How much is too much alcohol over the holidays? A doctor explains

(CNN) — The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.

By Katia Hetter, CNN

Some residents of Raleigh's Village District opposed to proposed social district

The Raleigh City Council is considering a proposal to allow open alcohol consumption in the Village District. It would allow people to drink beer, wine or cocktails from specially marked cups during specific times in areas of the Village District.

Social district proposal: Raleigh's Village District residents raise concerns about proposed open-alcohol consumption

The Raleigh City Council is considering a proposal to allow open alcohol consumption in the Village District. It would allow people to drink beer, wine or cocktails from specially marked cups during specific times in areas of the Village District.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

Sanford business owners lose thousands of dollars in warehouse fire

According to Keaton Forbes and Grant Daley, owners of "Boozejuice," an alcoholic beverage company that sells alcoholic cocktails in pouches, the company had over $100,000 of products in the warehouse.

Village District could become Raleigh's second social district

Raleigh leaders are considering expanding the Sip n' Stroll program to the Village District, which would allow people to drink beer, wine or cocktails from specially marked cups during specific times and areas of the Village District.

Raleigh considers expanding open alcohol consumption to Village District with new social district plan

Raleigh leaders are considering expanding the Sip n' Stroll program to the Village District, which would allow people to drink beer, wine or cocktails from specially marked cups during specific times and areas of the Village District.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

Alcohol linked to rise in colon and breast cancers, new report finds

Adults younger than 50 have been developing breast cancer and colorectal cancer at increasingly higher rates over the last few decades, and alcohol use may be one factor driving the trend, according to a scientific report published Wednesday.

Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times

New social district opens at The Streets at Southpoint

The Streets at Southpoint Mall in Durham launches its new social district Friday.

New social district coming to The Streets at Southpoint

This would allow alcoholic beverages within the specified area throughout the open-air section of the mall. Open-carry drinks will not be allowed inside the shopping center.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL anchor/reporter

To-go cocktails in NC: How does it work?

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a law making it permanent for restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic drinks for carryout or delivery.

To-go cocktails in North Carolina: How does it work?

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a law making it permanent for restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic drinks for carryout or delivery.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter

How a Depression-era law could be used to make your booze cheaper

(CNN) -- Federal regulators are planning to use a rarely enforced law from the Great Depression to allege America's largest alcohol distributor is unfairly pricing wine and spirits, a person familiar with the matter told CNN.

By Matt Egan, CNN

Fuquay-Varina social district opens

Downtown Fuquay-Varina's social district will open Thursday.

May is North Carolina Wine Month: Explore NC's award-winning wineries

Every May, more than 190 wineries across North Carolina open their doors for a month of special events, tastings and promotions.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer