Burlington Reporter

Data from the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission revealed that liquor sales in North Carolina increased 12% during the fiscal year, which ended on June 30.

Much of the increase in sales was materializing in March when Gov. Roy Cooper shut down bars and restaurants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Fayetteville Observer reported on July 25. The increase is surprising considering that restaurant and bar sales tumbled and have remained below normal levels.

Charles Hill, the owner of several liquor stores, told The Fayetteville Observer that people began purchasing large amounts of alcohol out of fear that Cooper would close the liquor stores as well. Hill said it was an example of panic buying, similar to that before a big storm comes in.

Customers continue to make their drinks at home as there are still restrictions on bars. There are also still restrictions on gyms and fitness facilities.

"Gov. Cooper has hit the 'trifecta' when it comes to our health and well being," Sen. Rick Gunn (R-Alamance) said in a July 27 Facebook post about liquor sales. "With gyms and bars completely shut down and restaurants operating at limited capacity, he has managed to turn a bunch of people into out of shape heavy drinkers and crippled small businesses to boot."

Gunn believes that Cooper could have safely opened bars and gyms, saying small businesses were prepared to operate in a safe, responsible manner.