Statement to NC News Media Outlets - August 21

Friday, August 21, 2026
Media Statement from Joyce L. Sullivan, CEO of Free Our Spirits NC Thanking Governor Stein for Stopping the ABC Commission from Increasing Prices on Vodka + Tequila

Governor Stein: Thank you for stopping the State ABC Commission’s plan to raise prices on lower-priced spirits through its proposed floor-pricing policy. North Carolinians deserve thoughtful, consistent leadership, and rejecting this misguided proposal was the right decision.

Using “public health” concerns to justify higher prices was a very bad idea, especially when other Commission-sanctioned practices appear designed to stimulate demand. If the Commission is truly focused on public health, it should first address local ABC boards’ social-media promotion of “Golden Ticket” raffles, truck sales, bourbon drops, lotteries, and other events that encourage consumers to chase scarce products and increase liquor purchases.

Now it’s time to turn your attention to the chairman’s proposed $310 million warehouse project.

Before taxpayers or the ABC system assume that obligation, the administration should require an independent needs assessment, a credible alternatives analysis, and a detailed management plan.
A Commission struggling to manage current responsibilities should not be trusted with an unnecessary facility of this scale without rigorous scrutiny. Thank you again for acting in the public interest.

Free Our Spirits NC | www.freeourspiritsnc.com
5 West Hargett Street, Ste 212 | Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919-834-8431