What are the consequences for selling alcohol without a liquor license?

In North Carolina, selling alcohol without a liquor license is a serious offense with major consequences. If caught selling alcohol without a proper license, the individual or entity can face criminal misdemeanor charges as well as civil penalties. According to North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, any business or individual attempting to sell, give, or distribute alcoholic beverages without a liquor license may be subject to criminal misdemeanor charges prosecuted by the state. A criminal conviction carries possible jail time, fines, or both. Any business or individual who sells, gives, or distributes alcoholic beverages without a valid liquor license may be subject to civil penalties. The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is authorized to impose civil fines up to $1,500 per violation and may revoke the license of any person or establishment found in violation of North Carolina’s liquor license laws. In addition, a business or individual found guilty of selling alcohol without a proper license can expect to have their liquor license revoked, preventing them from selling alcohol of any kind. This can result in significant lost revenue and possible fines. Finally, any individual or entity found in violation of North Carolina’s liquor license laws may face public shame and humiliation, as well as being branded a criminal. For these reasons, it is important to understand and comply with the applicable liquor liability laws in North Carolina, and always to make sure you are operating with a valid liquor license.

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