Buying Beer In Worcester County, Md: Sunday Shopping Laws

Maryland has some unique laws regarding when and where you can buy alcohol. While you can buy beer and wine on Sundays, you can only do so at a freestanding alcohol store, and the law varies by county. In Worcester County, the prohibition of selling alcohol on Sundays does not apply to Class B beer, wine and liquor licenses. However, most Maryland counties don't allow the off-premise sale of alcohol on Sundays.

Beer and wine can be purchased in Worcester County on Sundays

Where permitted, hours vary slightly but typically fall within the hours of 8 am to 11 pm, with individual stores varying hours at their discretion. Several counties, such as Prince George's and Baltimore, do not allow retail alcohol sales on Sundays.

Maryland has some unique laws regarding when and where you can buy alcohol that differ from its neighbouring states. The state has a lot of local laws related to the sale of alcohol on Sundays, and most counties don't allow off-premise sales on Sundays. However, those that do allow sales from 11 am to 12 am.

The laws in Maryland can be confusing, as they differ from county to county. For example, in Baltimore City, a Class B and Class C beer and light wine or beer, wine and liquor licensee may sell alcoholic beverages at a bar or counter on Sundays. In Worcester County, the prohibition on the sale of alcohol on Sundays does not apply to Class B beer, wine and liquor licenses.

It's important to note that grocery stores in most Maryland counties don't sell beer, wine, and spirits due to local laws and limitations. Additionally, gas stations in Maryland also don't sell alcohol due to similar restrictions.

Alcohol can be bought on Sundays in some Maryland counties

Alcohol laws in Maryland vary considerably by county. While most Maryland counties don't allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays, some do. In counties where alcohol can be sold on Sundays, the hours are typically from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, with individual stores varying hours at their discretion.

In Worcester County, for example, a Class B beer, wine and liquor licensee may sell alcoholic beverages at a bar or counter on Sundays. This means that in Worcester County, you can buy beer, wine, or liquor at a bar or restaurant on Sundays. However, it's important to note that each Maryland county has different alcohol sales hours, and some counties may have additional restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

In Baltimore County, a Class B and Class C beer, wine, and liquor licensee may also sell alcoholic beverages at a bar or counter on Sundays. This means that similar to Worcester County, you can purchase beer, wine, or liquor at bars or restaurants in Baltimore County on Sundays.

Other counties in Maryland with more restrictive laws include Prince George's County and Baltimore County, which do not allow retail alcohol sales on Sundays. So, if you're looking to purchase alcohol in these counties on a Sunday, you will need to drive to another location or plan ahead.

The laws regarding alcohol sales on Sundays in Maryland are subject to change, and there have been efforts to update these laws to provide more convenience to consumers. However, as of now, the sale of alcohol on Sundays is still determined by individual county laws, and it's always a good idea to check the local laws and store hours before heading out to purchase alcohol on a Sunday in Maryland.

Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays in Baltimore and Prince George's County

Alcohol sales laws in Maryland vary by county, and Baltimore and Prince George's County are two counties that do not permit the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

In Baltimore County, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays. This means that retail stores are not allowed to sell beer, wine, or liquor on Sundays. However, there is a special provision for certain holidays. As per the Alcoholic Beverages Article 12-2003(a)(1)(ii) and 12-2004(a)(1)(ii), holders of a Class "A" Beer & Wine License or a Class "A" Beer, Wine & Liquor License may obtain a Special Sunday License to sell alcohol on Sundays that fall between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day. These establishments may operate between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and must display the Special Sunday License conspicuously.

Similarly, in Prince George's County, retail alcohol sales were previously prohibited on Sundays due to "blue laws" that dated back to the Prohibition era. However, in April 2024, Governor Larry Hogan signed a bill allowing some liquor stores in the county to sell liquor on Sundays. The new law enables the county liquor board to issue permits to up to 100 eligible liquor stores, with eligibility requiring a reinvestment of at least $50,000 in the business within a year of obtaining the permit. These stores can then sell beer, wine, and liquor on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to midnight upon obtaining the necessary permits.

The laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales in Baltimore and Prince George's County have been subject to change over time, with some exceptions and special provisions in place. It is always a good idea to check the most recent updates and local laws before heading out to purchase alcohol on a Sunday in these counties.

Alcohol can be purchased online in Maryland

Yes, it is possible to buy alcohol online in Maryland. There are several alcohol delivery services operating in the state, including Drizly, Minibar Delivery, and Instacart. These services offer a range of beer, wine, and liquor options, as well as mixers and other extras.

The availability of alcohol delivery may depend on your location within Maryland, as alcohol laws vary by county. For example, in some counties, alcohol can only be purchased at stand-alone, non-chain alcohol stores, and licensing is restricted to Maryland residents. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the days and hours that alcohol can be sold, with some counties prohibiting retail alcohol sales on Sundays.

When ordering alcohol online in Maryland, you will typically need to provide proof that you are 21 or older, which is the legal drinking age in the state. Delivery times can vary, but most services aim to deliver within 30 to 60 minutes.

It is worth noting that while alcohol delivery is legal in Maryland, it is subject to county regulations and restrictions. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the specific rules and regulations in your area before placing an order.

Alcohol can be bought in grocery stores in some Maryland counties

Alcohol laws in Maryland vary considerably by county, with some counties allowing alcohol sales in grocery stores and others prohibiting it.

Due to a 1978 statewide prohibition, most grocery stores in Maryland are not permitted to sell alcohol of any kind. However, a handful of grandfathered-in chains are permitted to sell beer and wine, subject to individual county laws. For example, in Montgomery County, six grocery chains and one independent grocery store are allowed to have one location that sells beer and wine. These include Giant Food, Safeway, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, and Magruder's.

In other counties, such as Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester, and St. Mary's, grocery stores are allowed to sell beer and wine. In Prince George's County, each corporation is allowed to have one location that sells beer and wine.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Maryland are unique and can be confusing for residents and visitors alike. There have been efforts to change the laws and create uniform standards, but these have not been successful thus far.

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