Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alcohol Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stanley council adopts resolution to establish ABC board after hourlong public hearing
Summary
After an hour of public comment and split opinions from council members and residents, the Stanley Town Council voted 3-2 on Feb. 10, 2026, to adopt a resolution establishing an Alcoholic Beverage Control board to study and oversee retail alcohol sales in town.
The Stanley Town Council voted 3-2 on Feb. 10, 2026, to adopt a resolution establishing an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board to consider and oversee alcohol sales in the town.
Mayor Cathy Kirkland opened a public hearing and permitted up to one hour of public comment without individual time limits. Residents and faith leaders filled the hearing with sharply divided views. Pastor Danny Penny of the Pentecostal Holiness Church urged the council to oppose an ABC store on moral and social grounds, saying alcohol often contributes to poverty, broken homes and violence. Several residents, including Jeff Painter and Amanda Bloom, said the town should honor a 2016 voter approval for ABC sales.
Council Member Corey Kelly said he supported creating an ABC board as part of a broader economic strategy, noting Lincoln County ABC is exploring a store on Highway 27 that could serve Stanley residents and generate revenue for grants and infrastructure. Council Member Leigh Anna Helms said many residents oppose an ABC store and urged the council to focus on attracting a grocery store instead. Council Member Marsha Miskelly said personal experience — citing a family member's struggle with alcoholism — made her unable to support the measure. Council Member Brendan Sweeney and Council Member Chase Hannifin joined Kelly in voting for the resolution; Helms and Miskelly voted against it.
Supporters and opponents offered competing local data during the hearing. Carrie Lanning presented examples of nearby ABC operations with minimal profit or losses, naming Mount Holly as a town that reported a loss in its most recent fiscal year. Opponents also raised public-health concerns, while proponents emphasized potential revenue to fund town improvements.
The council’s vote creates a local ABC board mechanism; it does not itself authorize an immediate retail outlet. According to comments during the meeting, Lincoln County ABC is considering locating a store on Highway 27, which town officials said could be coordinated with the newly authorized board. The council closed the public hearing and adopted the resolution; next steps include board formation and any further studies or location decisions the council and staff determine necessary.
