Doug Mataconis · · 5 comments

Legislators in the Tar Heel State clearly want to make sure the booze flows like water during the Democratic Convention in Charlotte:

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Adding a twist to blue laws in an increasingly red state, North Carolina’s Republican-led legislature is toasting a measure intended to keep the booze flowing at the Democratic National Convention.

President Barack Obama and other Democratic Party headliners are set to be in Charlotte for the nominating soirée held every four years, which kicks off with a Labor Day party at a stock car track. The state’s government-run liquor stores are closed Sundays and for the Monday holiday, presenting a potential problem for bars, restaurants and hotels needing to replenish depleted alcohol stocks.

The convention is expected to draw tens of thousands of people who will spend millions on food and libations.

To the rescue is a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Raleigh sponsoring a bill to keep the Alcoholic Beverage Control stores in Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, open for Labor Day 2012. Co-sponsored by Republicans and Democrats from the Charlotte area, the measure flowed through the state House last week on a voice vote and is awaiting approval in the Senate.

Rep. Bill Brawley, a Mecklenburg Republican, said helping Charlotte be fully prepared to quench the thirsts of the arriving politicos and media horde is just good manners.

“The political party of the people attending is not material,” said Brawley, one of the bill’s primary sponsors. “Our state will treat them the way we would want our own people to be treated when they visit other states.”