No, Asheville, North Carolina is not a dry county. While the broader Buncombe County in which Asheville is situated is technically designated as a "dry" county, the city of Asheville, along with several other municipalities within the county, has voted to permit the sale of spiritous liquor.
Understanding Dry vs. Wet Status in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the "dry" or "wet" status for alcohol sales can vary significantly at the county, city, or even township level. While some counties may be "dry" by default, individual municipalities within them can hold local elections to approve the sale of various types of alcohol, including liquor. This means that a city can be "wet" even if its surrounding county is "dry."
For Asheville, this local option has resulted in a vibrant and accessible market for alcoholic beverages.
Asheville's Liquor Sales
Asheville is one of four municipalities in Buncombe County that has opted to allow the sale of spiritous liquor. The other municipalities include:
- Black Mountain
- Weaverville
- Woodfin
Collectively, these four areas generate substantial liquor sales. A significant portion of these sales, over 80%, originates from Asheville's stores alone, which number around nine establishments. This highlights Asheville's role as a primary center for liquor sales within the region, effectively making it a "wet" area despite Buncombe County's technical "dry" designation.
This system ensures that residents and tourists visiting Asheville have ample access to liquor and other alcoholic beverages, supporting the city's diverse hospitality industry.
