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North Carolina Permanently Legalizes Cocktails To-Go – Fred Minnick

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North Carolina Permanently Legalizes Cocktails To-Go – Fred Minnick


North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper yesterday signed SB 527 into law, lowering the tax rate for spirits ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs), allowing cocktails to-go and delivery of mixed beverages, and permitting alcohol sales on some holidays.

North Carolina is the 29th state to permanently allow cocktails to-go.

“The signing of SB 527 is a win for North Carolina’s spirits consumers,” Andy Deloney, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States senior vice president and head of state public policy, said. “With Governor Cooper’s signature, North Carolinians will be able to take a delicious cocktail to-go from their favorite restaurant and pick up a special spirits bottle even on some big holidays.

“Additionally, restaurants will see lower taxes on highly popular ready-to-drink cocktails. We are grateful to see both the legislature and the governor support these market modernizations. Cheers to increased convenience and consumer choice in North Carolina.”

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Read more: North Carolina, Pennsylvania Pass RTDs-Friendly Bills

Despite many spirits RTDs having the same or lower alcohol-by-volume (ABV) than their beer- and wine-based counterparts, they are currently taxed at a much higher rate. SB 527 defines a “pre-mixed cocktail” and sets a maximum ABV of 13%. It exempts these low-ABV products from the state’s mixed beverage tax of $20 per four liters that is paid by the on-premise “mixed beverage permit” holders.

Read more: Southern Distilling Leads the Way in North Carolina

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SB 527 authorizes cocktails to-go and delivery by mixed beverage permittees or delivery service permittees. Cocktails to-go orders must be made with a food purchase and placed in tamper-evident containers. Current law did not authorize cocktails to-go as a previous, temporary cocktails to-go measure sunset in June 2021.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 29 states, including North Carolina, and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go.

SB 527 also authorizes local ABC stores to sell on New Year’s Day, July 4 and Labor Day.

For more information, visit https://www.distilledspirits.org/.



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What Virginia’s Close Win Over North Carolina Means for Duke

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What Virginia’s Close Win Over North Carolina Means for Duke


The Virginia Cavaliers escaped with a 17-16 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, needing overtime to prevail. The Cavaliers stopped the Tar Heels on a two-point conversion, which would have given North Carolina the win if successful. However, running back Benjamin Hall was inches short of reaching the pylon.

North Carolina controlled the flow of the contest, but ultimately, three turnovers, including an interception in the end zone, proved to be too much for the Tar Heels to overcome.

Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back J’Mari Taylor (3) scores a touchdown in overtime as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Gavin Gibson (5) and linebacker Mikai Gbayor (4) and defensive back Coleman Bryson (16) defend at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Not only was it a missed opportunity for North Carolina, but it also prevented the Duke Blue Devils from making up ground, despite being on a bye week.

Keeping all of that in mind, here is how the result of this game affects the Blue Devils’ chances of qualifying for the ACC Championship game later in December.

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Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris (11) breaks a tackle and scores a touchdown as North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Khmori House (7) defends in the second quarer at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Obviously, it was not the end result that the Blue Devils were hoping for, but there are certainly reasons to feel positive from Duke’s perspective.

For one, the Cavaliers looked quite vulnerable in this contest, as they were outgained by nearly 100 yards, took six sacks, and were overall completely inept offensively.

Quarterback Chandler Morris’ performance was quite concerning, as he completed 20-of-35 pass attempts for 200 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He threw errant passes all game, including two consecutive misses near the goal line that were rudimentary throws.

Oct 18, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The win sends the Cavaliers to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play. However, watching this game, it is apparent that Virginia is not as good as its record.

Despite the victory furthering the Cavaliers’ control of their own destiny, Duke’s confidence should not waver when considering Virginia’s current position in the conference.

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Virginia’s last three wins have come with a combined margin of victory of eight total points, which included a game-winning safety against Washington State last week and a game-clinching stop in overtime on Saturday against North Carolina.

Aug 28, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) throws a touchdown pass against the Elon Phoenix during the second half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images / James Guillory-Imagn Images

Additionally, the Blue Devils will have their chance to take matters into their own hands when they host the Cavaliers on Nov. 15.

If Virginia plays remotely close to how it did on Saturday, unlike North Carolina, Duke will take advantage of every opportunity the Cavaliers present. Darian Mensah is light-years ahead of Gio Lopez, who was putrid, despite having ample opportunities to take control of the game.

Oct 17, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) evades tackle by California Golden Bears linebacker Cade Uluave (0) in the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images / Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Virginia was fortunate Lopez was the signal caller on the other side on Saturday. The junior quarterback attempted 5.8 yards per pass, and throwing two costly interceptions.

Duke is still within striking distance, and fortunately for the Blue Devils, they will have their opportunity to deal with Virginia themselves in a few weeks.

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North Carolina man arrested for vandalism, trespassing at Lynchburg Regional Airport

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North Carolina man arrested for vandalism, trespassing at Lynchburg Regional Airport


CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. – A man from North Carolina has been arrested and charged with damaging property at Lynchburg Regional Airport, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.

Shortly after midnight Thursday, deputies found the suspect on airport grounds attempting to break through the glass doors to enter the building. Deputies approached and took him into custody without incident.

The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Landen Ray Hayden of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Investigators determined that Hayden, who was intoxicated at the time, unlawfully entered airport property and caused significant damage. This included overturning several drums containing cleaning fluid used by airport staff in daily operations.

Hayden faces the following charges:

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  • Felony property damage

  • Trespassing

  • Underage possession of alcohol

  • Public intoxication

  • Contaminating waterways

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with Lynchburg Regional Airport officials as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at 434-332-9574, Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900 or www.cvcrimestoppers.org, or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com. Tips may remain anonymous, and information leading to an arrest could be eligible for a cash reward.

Copyright 2025 by WSLS 10 – All rights reserved.



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Freeze watch issued for counties in Western North Carolina

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Freeze watch issued for counties in Western North Carolina


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A freeze watch was issued on Wednesday for counties in Western North Carolina.

Officials said that the freeze watch was issued for Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties along with southwest and west central Virginia, southeast West Virginia, and the northern mountains of North Carolina.

The freeze watch was expected to last through Friday morning, according to officials.

Temperatures were expected to reach as low as 28 degrees for Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties.

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Forecast –> Charlotte Metro to remain cool and dry through the weekend

Thursday and Friday morning will start in the 30s and low 40s for most across the area. Temperatures in the upper 20s are even possible in our mountain communities on Friday morning, prompting a freeze watch for those locations.



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