Alcohol, Controlled Substances, and Concealed Carry in North Carolina - Trace Armory Group

Alcohol, Controlled Substances, and Concealed Carry in North Carolina

North Carolina Concealed Carry & Alcohol: The Rules You Need to Know

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Reading time: ~6 minutes

If you carry concealed in North Carolina, you must understand how state law treats alcohol and firearms. This guide breaks it down in plain English and links directly to the official statutes.

No Alcohol While Carrying Concealed

You may not carry a concealed handgun while drinking alcohol or with any alcohol remaining in your body. North Carolina law sets a strict rule for all permit holders.

Statute: N.C.G.S. 14-415.11(c2)

  • Illegal to carry concealed while consuming alcohol or if any alcohol remains in your system.
  • Applies to controlled substances as well, unless lawfully prescribed and used properly.
  • Exception: on your own property.

Tip: If you plan to drink, don’t carry. If you plan to carry, don’t drink.

Carrying in Restaurants, Bars, and Events That Serve Alcohol

North Carolina also restricts where firearms may be carried when alcohol is sold and consumed.

Statute: N.C.G.S. 14-269.3

  • Unlawful to carry a firearm into an event charging admission or into any place where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed.
  • Violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • Exception: Concealed handgun permit holders may carry if they do not drink and the premises are not posted against concealed firearms.

Real-World Examples

Scenario Legal Status
Permit holder eats at a restaurant that serves alcohol, does not drink, no posted sign. Generally lawful under 14-269.3 exception.
Permit holder orders one beer while carrying. Illegal under 14-415.11(c2).
Premises has a “No Firearms” sign. Off-limits to concealed carry even with a permit.
At home with a drink on private property. Permitted, but still not recommended for safety reasons.

FAQ

How much can I drink and still carry?

None. North Carolina law doesn’t use a BAC limit—it bans carrying with any alcohol in your system.

Can I carry in a bar or brewery?

Only if you have a concealed handgun permit, do not drink, and the property isn’t posted against firearms.

Do “No Guns” signs have legal force?

Yes. If posted, you cannot carry inside even with a permit.

Official Sources

This post is for educational purposes and not legal advice.

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1 comment

Outstanding article. Thank you for writing this!!!

Scott Wilcoxen

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