Tito's Handmade Vodka is North Carolina's top-selling spirit

Driving the news: North Carolina generated $696 million in public revenue in FY25, per a recent state audit.

• North Carolina's ABC system generated $713 million in FY24.
• Tito's sold more than 300,000 cases across the two years.

Zoom in: Mecklenburg County led ABC sales in the state with $280 million in FY25 across its 29 stores.

• Wake County followed at $222.3 million across 26 stores.
• Both were the only counties above $100 million.

Between the lines: Mecklenburg County's gross sales (the combination of retail, mixed beverage and wine sales) rose from $276 million to $280 million from FY24 to FY25.

• Wake County's ABC sales dropped from $225 million in FY24 to $222 million in FY25.

The bottom line: While ABC sales increased statewide, the state revenue declined, reflecting rising costs and tighter margins.

What we're watching: A rising number of U.S. adults are drinking less alcohol, Gallup data shows.