The Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement

In North Carolina, it is illegal to sell alcohol without a permit, to sell to anyone under the age of 21, to have an open container of alcohol in the car, or to sell wine, beer or liquor to anyone who is intoxicated. Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agents enforce these, and many other laws that deal with the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages in the state.

ALE, a division of the Department. of Crime Control and Public Safety, is also responsible for enforcing the tobacco, controlled substance and gambling laws of the state and taking legal action on nuisance establishments.

ALE's 117 sworn agents have broad authority as peace officers to arrest and take other investigatory and enforcement actions for any criminal offense. ALE is unique in that it is the only law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction that has, as its primary mission, enforcement of alcoholic beverage laws. Agents ensure consistent enforcement throughout the state.

ALE puts a major emphasis on protecting youth by enforcing underage drinking laws and providing educational programs that show teens the potentially tragic consequences of underage drinking.

« this page last modified 12/09/09 »