News

Statewide alcohol crackdown includes Hendersonville, Fletcher and Asheville

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 20, 2022

Local law enforcement agencies joined Alcohol Law Enforcement officers and State Highway Patrol troopers in a crackdown to reduce crime and enhance public safety at both ABC-licensed and illegal alcohol businesses across the state, the N.C. Department of Public Safety said. The widespread investigation included Hendersonville, Fletcher, Arden and Asheville.

Due to an increase in alcohol-related crashes and underage fatalities, the collaborative event aimed to increase roadway safety around ABC-licensed businesses. Together, state authorities charged 350 individuals on more than 700 alcohol, drug, weapon, and driving offenses.

Around the state, authorities executed eight search warrants and seized various types of controlled substances, along with 13 firearms. Of the 798 charges, 64 were felony charges, 101 were alcoholic beverage-related charges, 182 were drug-related charges and 292 were motor vehicle charges. Ten impaired drivers were taken off the road.


During the operation, 12 ABC-permitted businesses were found to be in violation of state laws and regulations. ALE special agents will submit violation reports to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission documenting the criminal and regulatory violations at these businesses, which could result in fines, suspensions, or revocations of ABC permits.

“We are proud to combine our efforts in making North Carolina businesses and communities safer,” said Alcohol Law Enforcement Director Bryan House. “Operations like this demonstrate the great relationship we have with our state and local law enforcement partners.”

Agencies involved in the operation included North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina Probation and Parole, Asheboro Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Shallotte Police Department, Leland Police Department, Holden Beach Police Department, Rocky Mount Police Department, Cornelius Police Department, Huntersville Police Department, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Mecklenburg County ABC Board Law Enforcement, Davidson Police Department and Henderson Police Department.

Cities involved in the operation included Wilmington, Cornelius, Hickory, Hendersonville, Fletcher, Arden, Asheville, Henderson, Warrenton, Durham, Greensboro, Huntersville, Shallotte, Leland, Holden Beach, Greenville, Kinston, Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, Plymouth, Fayetteville, Lumberton, Carthage, Burlington, Asheboro and Lexington.