Ballot question
Columbus County Malt Beverage Election
- On the ballot in
- Columbus County
- Vote
- Yes or no
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
The question, as printed on the ballot
To permit the "on-premises" and "off-premises" sale of malt beverages.
A “Yes” vote means
Makes on- and off-premises sales of malt beverages, such as beer, legal throughout Columbus County, so the state ABC Commission may issue permits to qualified businesses.
A “No” vote means
Malt beverage sales stay legal only in towns or areas where an earlier local vote or local act already allows them.
The Columbus County Board of Commissioners asked for this election, with the unfortified wine and mixed beverage questions, in a resolution adopted April 20, 2026. Each question is decided separately. Under G.S. 18B-604, a countywide yes makes that kind of sale lawful throughout the county; a no leaves it lawful only in towns or townships that already allow it.
Sources
- Referendum Choices List Grouped by Referendum, all counties (November 3, 2026) · North Carolina State Board of Elections
- Official Election Notice: 2026 General, Election Notice of Contests and Referenda · Columbus County Board of Elections
- Minutes, April 20, 2026 regular session: Resolution Calling for a Referendum on the Sale of Malt Beverages, Unfortified Wine, and Mixed Beverages in Columbus County · Columbus County Board of Commissioners
- N.C. General Statutes Chapter 18B, Article 6: Local Option Elections (G.S. 18B-600 to 18B-605) · North Carolina General Assembly
The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.