Three ballot questions will ask voters about expanded alcohol sales
By BC News Staff Writer
Whiteville, NC — Columbus County Commissioners did approve placing three alcohol‑sales questions on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This action was taken during the board’s April 20, 2026 meeting, where members voted to advance the referendum for countywide consideration.
The ballot will include three separate yes‑or‑no questions covering:
• Malt beverage sales, on and off premises
• Unfortified wine sales, on and off premises
• Mixed‑beverage sales in qualifying establishments such as hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theatres, and convention centers
If voters approve any category, additional steps will include state ABC permitting and local approvals required before sales could begin.
The referendum applies to unincorporated areas of Columbus County. Alcohol sales are already permitted within the municipalities of Bolton, Brunswick, Chadbourn, Lake Waccamaw, Tabor City, and Whiteville under existing local authorizations.
The last countywide alcohol sales referendum occurred in 2003 and did not pass. The 2026 vote will determine whether expanded sales move forward in areas outside the county’s incorporated towns.
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