Here's another good resource. The simple and easy version is do not OC anywhere you cannot CC. That should keep you straight. And signs have weight here, so keep an eye out for them.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/northcarolina.pdf
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol
NO
Note: A “YES” above means you can carry into places like described below. “NO” means you can’t. Handgunlaw.us definition of “Restaurant Carry” is carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Places like Friday’s. Chili’s or Red Lobster. This may or may not mean the bar or the bar area of a restaurant. But you can carry your firearm into a restaurant that serves alcohol and sit and eat without consuming. Handgunlaw.us recommends you not sit at the Bar or in the Bar area of such restaurants. In some states it is illegal to be in the Bar area of such restaurants. Handgunlaw.us believes you should never consume alcohol when carrying your firearm. In some states it is illegal to take even one drink while carrying a firearm. If you want further info on carrying in places that serve alcohol check your state laws.
I have some problems with the North Carolina write up - particularly with the "Carry in Restaurants" section. They correctly say that it is not allowed to carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, but then they go on and muddy the waters and, IMO, give bad advice...
(Emphasis mine) This is NOT correct!
Yes, and I agree. That part is correct.Well, if you look at the places prohibited it is correct. If you look at the section you are referencing it also says "no" to carry in restaurants.
This is specifically where I have the problem. They are giving very specific state information, then they are giving what appears to be an opinion that is supposed to be generalized for all the states. As I said - this muddies the waters and makes the answer of "No you cannot carry in restaurants that serve alcohol" unclear. I would suggest leaving it simple - stating the law - and removing the opinion sections.It seems that Gary is trying to define what Handgunlaw sees as restaurant carry. The second sentence also says "no" means you cannot carry. While it's not perfect, trying to do this for every state makes it difficult to pin down definitions.
Which is a major problem, IMO. I have tried to use his information as a source to go to prior to visiting other states and this part makes it so I have no idea what the real story is and I have to go elsewhere to get the answer and then I have to double and triple check the info to make sure. As a result, I do not go there any more for information nor do I send anyone there for information.FWIW, that disclaimer seems to be on every page too.