- In 2021, North Carolina General Statute 18B-1001(21) was passed, allowing the creation of a Common Area Entertainment Permit (CAEP) facilitated through the NC ABC Commission.
- A CAEP allows customers to consume alcohol in designated areas within a center in accordance with the rules imposed by the NC ABC Commission.
SIP N’ SHOP FAQ
- A common area entertainment permit is allowed when there are no public streets being crossed. A CAEP doesn’t require City approval and is authorized by the ABC Commission & isn’t regulated through a City ordinance.
- There must be at least two businesses located on private property who hold ABC permits for on-site consumption.
- Under no circumstances, can you have an open container on any other portions of the property that are not shown on the boundary map.
- Property owners in possession of a CAEP are allowed to enforce rules for the designated area as long as they do not adversely conflict with GS 18B-1001(21).
- For general information, please visit https://www.abc.nc.gov/
- Consumers can Sip n’ Shop 7-days a week from 11:00AM-11:00PM. All cups must be disposed of by 11:00PM.
- No, only businesses located within the boundaries that have “Sold Here” stickers on their storefronts are allowed to provide consumers with to-go cups.
- The cup must have a sticker from the seller that includes the date and time of purchase as well as the name of the business where it was purchased.
- No, the NC ABC Commission requires consumers utilize only cups received from authorized businesses.
- You can only get a refill from a business at the shopping center that has a “Sold Here” designation.
- Alcohol purchased on other portions of the property are not allowed for consumption during Sip n’ Shop. Guests found in violation of this policy could be subject to removal from the property as well as further charges as permissible by law.
- Sip n’ Shop is only permitted from 11:00AM – 11:00PM every day.
- All stickers found on the cups expire after 2-hours. In order to continue to Sip n’ Shop, you must purchase another beverage from a “Sold Here” business with a new cup and sticker showing the time of purchase. Consumers found with cups outside of the 2-hour expiration will be required to dispose of their beverage & cup.
- No, cups are not allowed outside of the designated boundaries. You must dispose of your cup before exiting the permitted area. Ridgewood Shopping Center’s boundaries do not include any homes or apartments.
- Visitors can consume their beverages within the sidewalks and benches of the boundary map.
- Consumers cannot utilize patio space, tables, or chairs that belong to businesses unless they are patronizing that business during the time of consumption.
- Retail stores and other businesses with “Welcomed Here” stickers on their storefronts allow Sip n’ Shop consumers to bring their drinks into stores.
- You cannot bring a Sip n’ Shop cup into another “Sold Here” location or another location that sells alcohol for on-site consumption. This is a violation with the Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) and ABC regulations.
Guests participating in the Sip n’ Shop program must drink responsibly. Consumers found to be in violation of the rules, are over-intoxicated, or unruly will be asked to leave the property. Additional charges as permissible by law which could include being trespassed from the property, criminal citations, and/or liability for damages will be enforced.
Alcohol and substance abuse resources are available for those in need. Please contact the North Carolina National Rehab Hotline for your connection to a variety of local mental health providers, treatment centers and substance abuse support services. Their resources are available 24-7 and calls are confidential. Please contact them directly at 866-210-1303.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) partners with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) to offer the free and confidential 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline. Please contact this number if you or someone you know is in need of suicide prevention and crisis assistance.
If you are located on the property and are experiencing a safety concern, please contact 911. If you need to report a potential Sip n’ Shop violation or feel a participant is not adhering to the program, please contact York Security at 984-383-8267. You can also reach out to Brooke Conn, General Manager for Ridgewood Shopping Center at brookeconn@regencycenters.com.

















