Audit: Choosing Tito’s as easy as ABC

(The Center Square) – For North Carolinians at the liquor store, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the overwhelming choice ahead of a 100% blue Weber agave tequila from Mexico.

Thursday’s audit release from first-term Republican state Auditor Dave Boliek’s office analyzed vendor performance requirements for the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Five contractually required key performance indicators reviewed for eight quarters showed on-time delivery and fill rate was not consistently met while cost metric, outstanding claims, and safety performance were achieved.

The report confirms a taste for the hard stuff delivers a strong pour of dollars into the purse of taxpayers.

Public revenue generated by the ABC system in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, respectively, were $713 million and $696 million. The money goes into the General Fund for the state budget, and then to counties and municipalities for alcohol education, law enforcement, rehabilitation and health services.

Leading the brands sold list were Tito’s Handmade Vodka 1.75 liters (165,...