Alcohol Sales At UNC Events Bill Clears Final Legislative Hurdle

The state House has given final approval to a bill giving all North Carolina public universities the option to sell beer and wine at campus sporting events.

The House had previously passed the measure but it came back to them after the Senate made a minor tweak.

HB389 passed the House by an 88 to 25 margin, almost the same margin they passed it by in April.

It now goes to Gov. Roy Cooper. If he signs the measure into law, University of North Carolina system schools would have the option of selling beer and wine at their stadiums and athletic facilities. Such sales are currently prohibited in most of the system's venues.

Cooper has not said whether he is in favor of the bill or not. A spokeswoman for Cooper said he will review it before making a decision.

Opponents worry that it would create a disruptive atmosphere at athletic events and exacerbate drinking problems.

University leaders were among the supporters of the bill, saying it will give them some control over game day drinking.