Do you need a broker to sell spirits in North Carolina?
Yes. To sell spirits through North Carolina ABC stores, the Commission requires a supplier to be represented by a resident NC broker. The broker presents the supplier's products at the Commission's listing meetings, then shows approved products to local ABC boards. The supplier chooses the broker.
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The Role of a Broker to Sell Spirits in North Carolina
Yes, you need a broker to sell spirits in North Carolina when selling through the state's ABC stores. The NC ABC Commission requires every supplier to be represented by a resident NC broker. This broker presents your products at the Commission's listing meetings, then shows approved products to local ABC boards. The supplier chooses the broker.
A broker presents your products. The Commission decides whether to list them, and each local board decides what to order for its own stores, within ABC law and Commission rules.
In-state distilleries may also sell spirits at the distillery under their distillery permit. You should confirm the current limits for on-site sales with the NC ABC Commission.
Why North Carolina Requires a Broker
North Carolina is a control state for spirits. This means liquor is sold only in ABC stores that local boards operate. All spirits for these stores are supplied through a single State ABC warehouse.
There are no private spirits wholesalers in the state's three-tier system for liquor. A licensed broker acts as the supplier's representative to the state's regulators and the local boards. Our guide on liquor distributors in NC explains this system in more detail.
Who Qualifies as a North Carolina Broker
A supplier must be represented by a resident North Carolina broker. The brokerage company itself must hold a Certificate of Authority to do business in the state.
The broker and any sales staff who will represent the supplier must hold Brokerage Representative Permits issued by the NC ABC Commission. You can find permit requirements on the Commission's Supplier/Broker Permit Process page and its Information for New Suppliers page.
What a Spirits Broker Does
A broker is the supplier's sales and marketing arm inside the North Carolina ABC system. The broker does not buy, store, or sell the product. The State ABC warehouse stores and ships products, and local ABC boards buy and sell them at retail.
The broker's work generally includes these steps:
- Presents products at the Commission's listing meetings for state approval.
- After approval, the State ABC warehouse assigns an allocation to the product.
- Shows approved products to local ABC boards, which decide what to order for their stores.
- Keeps an adequate supply of the supplier's product at the State ABC warehouse.
Broker or Supplier Representative
A supplier may also employ a Supplier Representative to work alongside their chosen broker. This person also needs a permit from the NC ABC Commission to operate in the state.
The supplier always chooses its broker. The relationship is managed by a contract, and the supplier notifies the Commission who its broker of record is.
Supplier Registration: What Comes First
Before a broker can present your products, your company must be registered with the state. The specific steps depend on whether you are based in North Carolina. Our post on navigating the North Carolina spirits market covers supplier registration.
Generally, a supplier needs a Federal Basic Permit and a North Carolina Supplier or Distiller Permit. Out-of-state suppliers also need a Certificate of Authority. The Commission assigns product codes before any shipments can begin. If you are importing spirits into NC, additional steps apply.
Choosing Your North Carolina Broker
Dorado Rock is a licensed spirits broker founded in 2021. We help suppliers through the NC ABC process. We represent 70 brands and 440 products across all 100 North Carolina counties.
Our services include a supplier portal with reporting, on-premise activity tracking, tastings, events, and warehousing.
No fixed term; either side can end at any time.
General information, not legal advice. Check current rules with the NC ABC Commission.
Dorado Rock is not affiliated with the NC ABC Commission.
If you are looking for a North Carolina broker, we would be glad to talk. Please use our contact page to start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions About NC Liquor Brokers
Can I sell spirits in North Carolina without a broker?
Not through ABC stores; in-state distilleries may also sell at the distillery under their distillery permit, and the reader should confirm the limits with the Commission.
Does the broker have to be located in North Carolina?
Yes. The NC ABC Commission's Information for New Suppliers page states that a supplier 'must be represented by a resident North Carolina Broker.'
What permits does a broker need?
The brokerage holds a Certificate of Authority. The broker and its sales staff must apply for and hold a Brokerage Representative Permit.
Does hiring a broker mean my product will be listed or stocked?
No. The Commission decides which brands may be sold in the state, and each local board decides what to order for its own stores, within ABC law and Commission rules.
Does the broker buy or store my product?
No. Boards buy and sell at retail, the State ABC warehouse stores and ships, the broker presents products and keeps an adequate supply at the State ABC warehouse, and Dorado Rock's own warehouse is a separate service.
Where can I find the list of active brokerages?
The NC ABC Commission publishes a list of Active Suppliers and Brokers on its website.
More supplier guides
Looking for a liquor distributor in North Carolina?
North Carolina is a control state and does not have private liquor distributors. To sell spirits, you must appoint a licensed North Carolina broker who represents your brand to the state and local ABC boards.