NC ABC Chairman Zander Guy Resigns | DFA 90.7

The chairman of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission has resigned from the board, citing anxiety over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the agency’s recent challenges in the distribution of alcohol.

AD “Zander” Guy tendered his resignation Friday to Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who appointed him president in early 2017.

Guy, who also served as president when Democrat Beverly Perdue was governor, said in a telephone interview on Monday that recent events had caused him and his wife to reassess his service.

The former Surf City mayor said he will be 73 next month and two friends and an uncle with COVID-19 have died in the past 90 days. Guy also said the alcohol supply issues, including the rollout of a new computerized inventory and ordering program by the ABC System warehouse operations subcontractor, caused additional stress.

“When you can’t sleep at night and worry about things you can’t control, it’s time to readjust yourself,” Guy told The Associated Press, later adding, “I’m done. “

Cooper’s office thanked Guy on Monday for his service to the commission. Guy’s three-sentence resignation letter, provided by the governor’s office, did not go into detail.

There are two other commissioners who also serve at the discretion of the governor. The president is considered a full-time salaried position. The commission oversees the state’s wholesale and retail alcohol distribution. The alcohol is sourced from licensed distillers to the state’s two liquor warehouses before being shipped to local ABC stores for sale.

WBTV in Charlotte, who first signaled Guy’s resignation, said the commission entered into a renewed contract in July with LB&B Associates – the agency’s longtime warehouse operator – that includes new requirements, such as the electronic inventory system. Some county ABC boards have told the TV station that they are not receiving weekly shipments or that shipments are drastically reduced, resulting in empty shelves and restaurants unable to stay stocked.

The commission “acknowledged that the implementation of the new contract by LB&B Associates has failed to meet the expectations and level of service that ABC customers deserve,” said commission spokesperson Jeff Strickland.

Global supply issues have also led to shortages, Strickland said, and North Carolina bars and restaurants returning to more normal operations after COVID-19 shutdowns have seen a massive increase in demand in sales of mixed drinks. Total alcohol sales at local ABC offices statewide were 14% higher in July than in July 2020, according to the commission.

Guy told the AP that he has great faith in LB&B to resolve the issues. “Ultimately it will work and be good for everyone,” he said. “Customer service is my number one concern.” LB&B President and CEO David Van Scoyoc said he was working with local and national ABC officials to resolve supply issues, WBTV reported.

Rep. Tim Moffitt, a Henderson County Republican and chairman of the House Alcohol Control Committee, wished Guy luck on Monday, calling him bluntly. Moffitt said alcohol supply issues would soon be addressed in public by the committee.

“ABC is under a lot of stress right now,” Moffitt said.

Almost $ 1.37 billion worth of fortified spirits and wines were sold at more than 430 local ABC stores statewide for the year ending June 30, 2020, according to the state commission. Annual Report. State and local governments shared more than $ 529 million in revenue.