DURHAM — After an extensive study of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control system, Gov. Bev Perdue announced Thursday that she opposes privatizing the system. She said privatization would not generate enough money to offset the cash lost if government gave up control. And the way to collect the most revenues would be to allow liquor sales at large retailers that now sell beer and wine. Perdue called that alternative unacceptable.

Incoming leaders of the General Assembly would not take privatization off the table, though they said their main focus would be closing an anticipated budget $3.5 billion budget deficit and they were not sure how much privatization would help.

To watch CarolinaJournal.tv’s full story on ABC privatization, click on the video.

Anthony Greco is an associate editor of Carolina Journal.