Country Western Dancing in North Carolina

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Club Law

The following is a social interpretation of our club laws. Although we strive to be accurate, this is not a legal brief. If you have any questions, call the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) office.

North Carolina's General Assembly passes laws, which are interpreted by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC). This produced three levels of facility.

  1. Full ABC license. Able to serve drinks by the glass or mixed drinks in addition to beer. Classified as a full ABC Club in our listing. Requires annual membership (ranges from $.97 to $150.00) to get in, or you must be a guest of a member. No instant memberships are permitted by the law. You may apply for a membership [sample] and pay the fee, but are required to wait 72 hours to enter as a member. You may enter as a guest of a member during the waiting period.  In addition, you generally must pay a cover charge (ranges from $1.00 to $35.00) to enter. Clubs often offer free ladies' nights or free members' nights. Clubs regularly practice various forms of discrimination.  Only the aggrieved party has a legal position to protest the incident to the ABC.
  2. Beer permit. Serves beer by the can, bottle, or glass. May permit you to bring your own bottle, particularly in so called "dry" counties. Similar membership rules as Full ABC License.  May have a cover charge to enter.
  3. No alcohol license. May permit you to bring in your own bottle. Basically unlimited access, but may still have you sign a guest book, present identification, and pay a cover charge to enter.

Each club may determine its policy on members, including how to apply restrictions on minors under age 21. It could lose its operating license, if under age patrons are discovered with alcohol. In many cases the ABC will permit clubs to violate their own constitution and bylaws.

North Carolina natives are normally friendly. It is socially and traditionally acceptable to meet them outside a club and have them invite you in as a guest. It is not acceptable to embarrass your new friends by lying about your age, using false identification, or drinking to excess.