ROCKINGHAM — Special agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement continue their investigation into a local nightclub allegedly operating illegally.
It’s been a week since ALE agents executed a search warrant at the County Line Lounge on McNair Road, on the west side of Rockingham, Friday, Feb. 3.
Special Agent William Happoldt, an ALE spokesman, told the RO in an email on Feb. 10 that the club previously had alcohol permits until those permits were canceled on Jan. 9.
The RO previously reported that records with the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission show the County Line Lounge was granted three permits — for malt beverages, fortified wine and mixed drinks — on Sept. 20, 2022.
The permits were canceled four days before the club reopened on Jan. 13.
The spokesman said a complaint on the location resulted in the opening of the investigation, which “ascertained that the business was selling alcoholic beverages without ABC permits.”
While serving the warrant, agents reportedly seized approximately 19.5 liters of wine, 62.8 liters of malt beverage, 24.29 liters of spirituous liquor, documents, a digital video recorder, and unspecified drug paraphernalia.
An earlier press release from the Rockingham Police Department, which assisted the ALE, reported that no one was present when the search was executed.
As of Feb. 10, no charges had been filed in connection to the ongoing investigation.
