Carrying A Gun And Buying Beer: Arizona's Unique Law

Arizona has a unique set of laws surrounding alcohol. The state is not considered dry, as it does not ban or severely limit the sale or possession of alcohol. Alcohol can be purchased from bars, restaurants, liquor stores, gas stations, and grocery stores from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, including Sundays. However, there are strict laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors, with the legal drinking age set at 21 years old. Additionally, Arizona has specific regulations regarding concealed carry permits and the consumption of alcohol. While the state does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of alcohol while carrying a concealed weapon, it is generally advised to avoid doing so as it could impair judgment and decision-making abilities.

Arizona's drinking laws

Age Restrictions

Firstly, the minimum drinking age in Arizona is 21. Arizona law prohibits adults who are 20-year-old newlyweds from sharing a glass of wine at their wedding reception. It also prevents those under 21 from partaking in religious rites involving alcohol, such as communion or the Seder. Additionally, parents are not allowed to teach their children how to drink in moderation, as this is also criminalized under Arizona law.

Working with Alcohol

State laws permit adults aged 19 or older to serve alcohol or work as bartenders. They can do so anywhere alcohol is available for on-site consumption. Persons aged 16 or older may sell alcohol in a store for off-site consumption, but only under the supervision of someone at least 19 years old, and the store must primarily sell items other than alcohol.

Purchase and Consumption

Alcohol can be purchased and consumed in licensed establishments between 6 am and 2 am every day, including Sundays and election days. Licensed establishments include bars, restaurants, package and liquor stores, and breweries and taprooms. Arizona does not have any dry counties, and alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores, gas stations, and even some pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.

Open Container Laws

It is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in a licensed establishment between 2:30 am and 6 am. Additionally, it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Open containers must be placed in the trunk. The only exceptions are commercial vehicles, such as limousines, and the living areas of motor homes.

DUI Laws

Arizona has strict DUI laws with severe penalties. For drivers under 21, any trace of alcohol in their system is considered impaired. The consequences for a first DUI conviction can include a suspended license for two years, among other penalties. For drivers over 21, the legal limit is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. Consequences for a first DUI conviction can include a minimum of 10 days in jail, a fine of at least $1,250, and a mandatory ignition interlock device.

Public Intoxication

While people cannot be arrested for "public intoxication" or "public drunkenness" in Arizona, they can be arrested for drinking in public. Additionally, if intoxicated people are causing a disturbance or being offensive, they may be arrested on other charges.

Other Restrictions

• It is illegal to use a false ID to purchase alcohol, and minors caught doing so may be imprisoned.
• It is illegal to carry a firearm in a business licensed to sell alcohol.
• Drinking games and contests are prohibited.
• Businesses cannot offer an unlimited number of drinks for a set price or period.
• The maximum serving size for a single person is 50 ounces of beer, one liter of wine, or four ounces of spirits.
• Visibly intoxicated people are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol in licensed establishments.
• Minors are not allowed to drink, even with parental consent, except for religious reasons.
• Minors are allowed in bars and licensed establishments if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years old. On-duty employees under 21 are also allowed to be present.

Arizona's gun laws

Arizona has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the country. The state's constitution states:

> The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the State shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain, or employ an armed body of men.

In practice, this means that Arizona respects the right of all U.S. citizens to carry a concealed or unconcealed handgun with or without a permit. The state also allows open carry, and does not require a permit to purchase a shotgun, rifle, or handgun.

However, there are some restrictions on who can own and carry firearms. Prohibited possessors include:

• People under the age of 18
• People under the age of 21 carrying a firearm in a vehicle
• People who are serving time in a correctional facility or are on parole
• Convicted felons
• People who have been convicted of a violent misdemeanor
• People who have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent
• Illegal aliens
• People who pose a danger to themselves or others

Additionally, there are restrictions on where guns can be carried. It is unlawful to carry a firearm:

• On school grounds
• In an election polling place
• In a bar or restaurant between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• In a public establishment or event where the operator or sponsor has requested that firearms not be brought onto the premises

Arizona also has laws regulating the sale and transfer of firearms. It is unlawful to sell or transfer a firearm to a prohibited possessor, or to remove, alter, or destroy the manufacturer's serial number on a firearm.

Arizona's age restrictions

Arizona has a variety of age restrictions in place regarding alcohol. Firstly, the minimum drinking age in Arizona is 21. There are no exceptions to this rule, and Arizona does not allow underage individuals to drink with their parents or guardians. The only exception the state permits is for religious reasons.

State law also prohibits adults who are 20-year-old newlyweds from sharing a glass of wine at their wedding reception and prevents those under 21 from partaking in religious rites involving alcohol.

In terms of working with alcohol, Arizona law states that individuals aged 19 or older can serve alcohol or work as a bartender. Those aged 16 or older may sell alcohol in a store, as long as a supervisor over the age of 19 is present and the store primarily sells items other than alcohol.

In addition, Arizona law states that individuals must be over the age of 21 to enter a bar or similar establishment unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is over the age of 21. On-duty employees under the age of 21 may also be present.

Finally, it is illegal for those under 21 to drive with any trace of alcohol in their body.

Arizona's alcohol license requirements

Arizona has specific laws related to liquor sales and consumption. The state does not ban or severely limit the sale or possession of alcohol, and it is not a dry state. The state's 15 counties are also not dry and do not have the power to change their status to dry.

The Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) regulates the sale of alcohol in Arizona. Liquor licenses are awarded via a lottery system. Alcohol is sold or served only in licensed businesses from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day, including Sundays. The minimum drinking age in Arizona is 21.

Bars and restaurants in Arizona may sell beer, wine, and liquor between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. Beers can be sold in the original packaging (opened) and on tap. These locations can sell alcohol for off-premise consumption, but this may not exceed 30% of their on-premise sales. Off-premise sales can take the form of growlers up to 64 ounces. To sell alcohol late at night, the kitchen must remain open until 10 p.m.

Gas stations in Arizona can sell beer, wine, and liquor from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. any day of the week, but all sales must be in their original packaging and cannot be consumed on-site. Some gas stations only have licenses that allow them to sell beer and wine.

Arizona grocery stores can sell beer, wine, and liquor from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Customers cannot consume alcohol at the grocery store, and all beverages must be in their original packaging.

Package and liquor stores in Arizona may sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. any day of the week. Certain locations can offer samples as long as they are small. Any sales must be for alcohol in its original packaging.

Arizona breweries can sell beer for both on- and off-premise consumption between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day of the week. They can also sell other breweries' beers for on-premise consumption and offer samples and fill growlers up to 64 ounces.

Arizona allows alcohol deliveries and restaurants, bars, and liquor stores can deliver alcohol within specified restrictions. Deliveries are restricted to standard alcohol sale hours: 6 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Arizona has strict DUI laws with severe penalties. The legal limit for drivers under 21 years old is any trace of alcohol in their system, while the limit for drivers over 21 is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%.

Arizona's alcohol-related offences

Arizona's alcohol laws are quite distinct from those of other states. Here is a summary of Arizona's alcohol-related offences:

Underage Alcohol Consumption

Underage alcohol consumption is prohibited in Arizona. People under 21 can be in a bar if they are accompanied by a parent, spouse, or legal guardian who is 21 or older, but they are not permitted to purchase or consume alcohol. Being convicted of underage drinking can have serious consequences, including a criminal record that may affect college or job prospects. Arizona also lacks an expungement process, meaning alcohol-related convictions will remain on one's record into adulthood.

Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor

It is a crime in Arizona for a bar, liquor store, or similar business to sell or give alcohol to a minor (under 21 years old). It is also illegal for a minor to purchase or drink alcohol on the premises of these businesses. Violations are classed as misdemeanours, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Drinking in Public

Arizona prohibits drinking in public streets, gatherings, or similar areas. However, private property and public recreation areas are exempt from this rule. While public drunkenness alone is not an arrestable offence, causing offence or disruption while intoxicated is.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher will likely result in steep fines and jail time. For underage drinkers, there is a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while driving is illegal. A first-time underage DUI offence carries a minimum jail sentence of 24 hours, up to 10 days in jail, a $1,600 fine, and a 90-360 day licence suspension.

Fake IDs

Using a fake ID to purchase alcohol is a class 3 misdemeanour in Arizona, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Additionally, one's driver's licence may be suspended for six months.

Frequently asked questions