Buying Beer On Thanksgiving In Massachusetts: What's The Deal?

If you're planning a big celebration for Thanksgiving, you might be wondering if you can buy beer in Massachusetts. Well, it's not so straightforward. While some states in the U.S. forbid the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving Day, others allow it. In Massachusetts, it seems that beer and alcohol cannot be purchased from liquor stores or packies on Thanksgiving. However, you can still get drinks at bars and restaurants. So, if you're planning to stock up for the holiday, it's best to plan ahead and buy your drinks in advance.

Beer can be purchased at bars and restaurants on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, Thanksgiving falls under the state's "Blue Laws", which restrict which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays. This means that all package stores in the state will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's holiday calendar for 2023.

However, beer can be purchased at bars and restaurants on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts. While package stores and grocery stores fall under the state's "Blue Laws" restrictions, bars and restaurants do not. So, if you're looking to buy beer on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, your best bet is to head to a bar or restaurant. It's important to keep in mind that liquor laws can vary from state to state, and even within counties or cities, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and double-check before making plans.

Massachusetts' "Blue Laws" can be a bit of a buzzkill for those looking to stock up on alcohol during the holiday. While the laws prohibit the sale of alcohol in package stores and grocery stores, they do allow for beer to be purchased at bars and restaurants. This means that, while you may not be able to grab a 12-pack from your local store, you can still enjoy a cold one with your Thanksgiving dinner as long as you're at a bar or restaurant.

It's worth noting that some states have proposed or enacted laws to allow liquor stores to be open on Sundays and holidays. For example, in Pennsylvania, state-controlled liquor stores are typically closed on Thanksgiving, but there have been proposals to open the sale of all alcohol on the holiday. Similarly, a proposed House Bill in Massachusetts seeks to allow liquor stores to open on Sundays and holidays, which could provide some relief for those looking to buy alcohol during future Thanksgiving celebrations.

So, if you're in Massachusetts and craving a beer on Thanksgiving, head to your nearest bar or restaurant. Just remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver if you plan to indulge!

Liquor stores are closed on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

If you're planning a big Thanksgiving feast, you might be wondering if you can pick up some beer or wine to go with your meal. In Massachusetts, it's a little more complicated than in other states.

Thanksgiving falls under Massachusetts' "Blue Laws", which restrict which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays under full restriction, which means all package stores in Massachusetts will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's holiday calendar for 2023. So, if you're looking to buy liquor from a package store, you're out of luck.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a drink with your Thanksgiving dinner. While package stores are closed, you can still purchase alcohol from bars and restaurants. Additionally, some privately-owned retailers may be open, so it's worth checking with individual stores or contacting the state's alcohol control board for the most up-to-date information.

It's important to plan ahead and stock up on any alcoholic beverages you might need before Thanksgiving arrives. This will ensure that you don't run into any issues on the day itself and can fully enjoy your holiday celebrations.

So, while liquor stores are indeed closed on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, there are still options available if you're looking to include alcohol in your holiday festivities. Just be sure to check ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises!

Grocery stores are also closed on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, Thanksgiving falls under the state's "Blue Laws", which restrict which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays. This means that all package stores in Massachusetts will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's holiday calendar for 2023.

Grocery stores also fall under the state's "Blue Laws" restrictions, so most grocery chains will be closed on Thanksgiving. So, if you're looking to grab a beer or some liquor on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, you're out of luck—the same goes for most groceries.

While this may be frustrating for those who enjoy a drink with their Thanksgiving dinner or need some last-minute ingredients for their recipes, it's important to plan ahead and stock up on any necessary items before the holiday. It's worth noting that some privately-owned retailers may be open, but it's always a good idea to call ahead and check before making a special trip.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and reflection, and while alcohol can be a part of the celebration for many, it's not the only thing that makes the holiday special. So, if you find yourself without a drink in hand, don't worry—you can still enjoy the day and make lasting memories with your loved ones.

Massachusetts' Blue Laws restrict businesses from opening on Sundays or holidays

In Massachusetts, the Blue Laws restrict businesses from opening on Sundays or holidays. These laws are enforced by the Attorney General's Office, and the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) has the authority to approve local permits for businesses to open on certain holidays. While retailers can open at any time on Sundays without approval, they must pay employees a premium rate and cannot force them to work.

On unrestricted holidays, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, businesses can operate without a permit and are not required to provide premium pay. On partially restricted holidays, like Juneteenth Independence Day, retailers may operate without a permit but must provide premium pay and follow the voluntariness of employment requirements. Restricted holidays, such as Columbus Day before 12:00 p.m. and Veterans Day before 1:00 p.m., require a statewide approval of permits from the DLS.

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays under full restriction in Massachusetts, meaning all package stores and most grocery chains will be closed. However, you can still purchase alcohol at bars and restaurants.

The Blue Laws also apply to manufacturers and non-retail businesses, with some exemptions for essential work. Overall, these laws aim to regulate the hours of operation for certain businesses and require special compensation for employees working on Sundays or legal holidays.

Some states allow beer and wine sales on Thanksgiving, but not liquor

In Massachusetts, Thanksgiving falls under the state's "Blue Laws", which restrict which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays. As a result, all package stores in the state will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's holiday calendar for 2023. Grocery stores also fall under these restrictions, so most grocery chains will be closed too, meaning you won't be able to grab a beer from your local chain after your Thanksgiving dinner.

However, other states have different laws. While some states have similar restrictions on alcohol sales on Thanksgiving, others allow beer and wine sales, but not liquor. For example, in Alabama, Mississippi, and some parishes in Louisiana, beer and wine may be purchased on Thanksgiving, but not liquor.

In some states, liquor store hours on Thanksgiving are determined by local and state regulations, while privately-owned stores can choose whether to open or close, depending on the owners' whims. For instance, in Oregon, some liquor stores are open on Thanksgiving, while others are closed.

So, while you won't be able to buy beer or any other alcoholic beverage in a store in Massachusetts on Thanksgiving, in some other states, you may be able to purchase beer or wine, but not liquor. It's always a good idea to check with individual stores or your state's alcohol control board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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