Where To Buy Beer In West Virginia?

West Virginia's alcohol laws are complex, but they do allow for the sale of beer. The state constitution prohibits the consumption of intoxicating liquors in public, but since 1937, standard beer has been redefined as non-intoxicating beer, allowing its sale in bars and restaurants. Beer has been available in general retail stores since 1934, and today, it can be purchased 7 days a week from 6 am to 2 am for off-premise consumption. Liquor sales, however, are cut off at midnight. While West Virginia is not a dry state, it does have one dry area: the town of Brandonville, where no alcohol can be purchased.

Where to buy beer

Beer has been available in general retail stores in West Virginia since 1934. The state does not prohibit the sale of alcohol, although there are some restrictions. For example, the town of Brandonville is the only dry area in the state, and liquor stores are not allowed to open on Sundays, or on Christmas and Easter Day.

You can buy beer in West Virginia from on-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, and off-premise retailers, including package and liquor stores, and grocery and convenience stores.

On-premise retailers

On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell all forms of alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day.

Off-premise retailers

Off-premise retailers, such as package and liquor stores, can sell beer, wine, and liquor from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day except Sunday, when they are not allowed to open.

Grocery and convenience stores, including the Rite-Aid and CVS drug store chains, 7-Eleven, and Kroger, are also considered off-premise retailers and can sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and liquor from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day.

Delivery

Alcohol delivery is permitted in West Virginia, but there are a few rules. The delivery driver must be 21 or older, the alcohol must be in a sealed container, and the customer's ID must be checked upon delivery.

When to buy beer

Beer has been available for purchase in general, privately-owned, retail stores in West Virginia since 1934. The state does not prohibit the sale of alcohol, although there are some restrictions.

You can buy beer in West Virginia any day of the week, including Sundays, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. for off-premise consumption. Liquor sales are cut off at midnight. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell all forms of alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. Private clubs can sell alcohol between 6 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. and must close by this time. Taverns/bars must close by 2:30 a.m. and remain closed until 6 a.m. each day.

Liquor stores are not permitted to open on Sundays, and they must also remain closed on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.

It is worth noting that the town of Brandonville is the only dry area in West Virginia, meaning you cannot buy alcohol there.

Beer delivery

• The delivery driver must be 21 years old or older.
• The delivery can be completed by licensee employees or a third-party service.
• The alcohol must be in a tamper-evident sealed container.
• The customer's identification must be verified upon delivery.
• The customer cannot be intoxicated.

In West Virginia, you can buy beer seven days a week. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell all forms of alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. Off-premise retailers, such as grocery and liquor stores, can sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily, while liquor can be sold for off-premise consumption between 6 a.m. and midnight.

It's worth noting that West Virginia has complex alcohol laws, which are more lenient in practice due to provisions in the state constitution and creative "work-arounds." For example, the state constitution prohibits the consumption of "intoxicating liquors" in "public places," but this was circumvented by redefining standard beer as "non-intoxicating beer," allowing its sale in bars and restaurants. Additionally, while liquor stores are not allowed to operate on Sundays, private clubs can sell alcohol on Sundays from 1 p.m. onwards, and they can remain open until 3:30 a.m.

Drinking age

West Virginia's alcohol laws are complex, but the drinking age is simple: you must be 21 or older to drink in the state. This is the same as the minimum drinking age across the United States.

In West Virginia, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy, or attempt to buy, alcohol. The penalty for doing so is a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 72 hours in jail. For a first offence, the court can order up to one year of probation instead of jail time.

The penalty for using a false ID to buy alcohol is a fine of up to $100 and/or up to three days in jail. Again, the court can order probation instead of jail time for a first offence.

It is a crime for anyone to provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The penalty for doing so is 30 days to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.

The drinking age in West Virginia has changed over the years. Until 1972, the drinking age was 18 for beer and wine, and 21 for liquor. In 1972, it was lowered to 18 for all beverages, along with the age of majority. The drinking age was raised to 19 in 1983 (21 for non-residents) and then raised again to 21 for all in 1986.

While the drinking age in West Virginia is clear, the state's alcohol laws are more complicated. West Virginia is not a dry state, but it does have one dry area: the town of Brandonville, where alcohol cannot be purchased. The rest of the state is wet and allows the sale of alcohol, with some restrictions.

On-premise retailers can sell all forms of alcohol between 6 am and 2 am every day. Off-premise retailers can sell beer and wine from 6 am until 2 am every day, and liquor for off-premise consumption between 6 am and midnight.

Private clubs can sell alcohol between 6 am and 3 am, but must stop selling alcohol at 3 am and close by 3:30 am. Taverns and bars must close by 2:30 am and remain closed until 6 am each day.

Liquor stores may not open on Sundays, and they must also close on Christmas and Easter Day.

On-premise vs off-premise consumption

West Virginia's alcohol laws are more complex in theory than in practice. The state's constitution prohibits the consumption of "intoxicating liquors" in a "saloon or other public place". However, in 1937, the state redefined standard beer as "non-intoxicating beer", allowing its sale in bars and restaurants. This "work-around" means that all beer vendors are technically selling "non-intoxicating beer".

In terms of on-premise vs off-premise consumption, West Virginia has laws in place that govern where and when alcohol can be consumed.

On-Premise Consumption

On-premise consumption refers to drinking alcohol at the place of purchase, such as a bar, restaurant, or brewery. In West Virginia, there are specific rules around on-premise consumption:

• Bars and taverns: Must close by 2:30 am and remain closed until 6 am each day. On Sundays, they can sell alcohol from 1 pm until 2 am.
• Private clubs: Can sell alcohol from 7 am to 3:30 am Monday to Saturday. Sales can resume at 1 pm on Sundays.

Off-Premise Consumption

Off-premise consumption refers to purchasing alcohol from a business and consuming it elsewhere. In West Virginia:

• Liquor stores: Can sell alcohol for off-site consumption from 8 am until midnight, Monday to Saturday. They are not permitted to sell alcohol on Sundays.
• Beer and wine: Sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption is legal from 7 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, sales are allowed from 1 pm to 2 am.

It is worth noting that West Virginia's alcohol laws apply to both residents and visitors, and the legal drinking age is 21.

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