Where To Buy Beer After Hours?

The ability to buy beer depends on where you are and what time it is. In the US, the minimum legal drinking age is 21, and each state has its own alcohol regulations. For example, in New York, you can buy beer from most retailers 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday outside of 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. In Texas, beer and wine can be purchased on Sundays starting at 10 a.m., but liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays. In Ontario, Canada, consumers will be able to buy beer at participating convenience, grocery, and big-box grocery stores starting in August 2024.

Beer laws in New York

New York's Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABC Law) governs a wide range of alcohol-related regulations and requirements, including everything from commerce to public safety. The state's alcohol laws are designed to protect residents and businesses while promoting growth and innovation.

Age Restrictions

It is illegal to sell or serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21 in New York. The general rule in New York is that any employee selling or handling alcoholic beverages must be at least 18. You do not need to be 21 or older to work as a bartender in the state. However, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in positions that involve alcohol handling, selling, or serving.

Licensing Requirements

Establishments that serve alcoholic beverages must obtain a license from the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) and comply with its regulations. Only liquor stores may obtain a license to sell liquor for off-premises consumption. Grocery and drug stores may obtain a license to sell beer alone or beer and "wine products", such as wine coolers (but not wine). Minors visiting a liquor store must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Hours of Operation

Bars and restaurants in New York are generally prohibited from serving alcoholic beverages between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. each day, but the times can vary by county. On Sundays, the limitation is from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Some upstate areas, such as Buffalo, Albany, and Saratoga Springs, retain the 4:00 a.m. closing time, although individual counties are free to set an earlier "last call".

Happy Hour Restrictions

Bars and restaurants are prohibited from offering "happy hour" promotions that advertise free drinks, multiple drinks for the price of a single drink, or unlimited drinks for a fixed price.

Liability for Serving Intoxicated Patrons

Establishments that serve alcoholic beverages can be held liable for any harm caused by a patron who becomes intoxicated on their premises and then causes injury or damage to others.

Open Container Laws

It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol on any public sidewalk, road, or park in New York. Neither the driver nor the passengers of a vehicle may possess an open container, except in the case of passengers of a hired passenger vehicle such as a limo or ride-share. All opened containers must be in the trunk of the vehicle. Locked gloveboxes are also permitted.

Drunk Driving Laws

The DUI limit in New York is 0.08 BAC for consumers 21 and older. There is a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers, with a limit of 0.02 BAC. Minors caught with any alcohol in their blood are subject to license revocation for six months or more, while penalties for drunken driving include fines, license suspension/revocation, possible imprisonment, and the implementation of an ignition interlock device.

Dry Towns

Although New York is not a dry state, individual towns and cities may choose to become dry by prohibiting all alcohol sales or banning specific types of alcohol. There are currently six dry towns in the state, all in lightly populated rural areas upstate:

• Caneadea in Allegany County
• Clymer in Chautauqua
• Lapeer in Cortland County
• Orwell in Oswego County
• Fremont and Jasper in Steuben County
• Berkshire in Tioga County

In addition, there are several towns that are partially dry, limiting alcohol sales to specific types and times.

Beer laws in Texas

Texas has a complex set of laws surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol.

Drinking Age

To legally purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in Texas, individuals must be 21 years of age or older. An exception to this rule is when a parent or guardian purchases an alcoholic drink for their child to consume in their presence. Minors can also drink in the presence of consenting and supervising family members. In this case, the adult present accepts responsibility for the safety of minors under 15. It is, however, against the law to make alcohol available to a non-family person younger than 17, even with permission from the minor's parent.

Alcohol Sales Laws

The days and times for alcohol sales vary across the state of Texas. From Monday to Friday, alcohol can be sold from 7 am until midnight, and on Saturdays from 7 am until 1 am. On Sundays, sales are prohibited until noon, and then allowed until midnight.

The type of alcohol that can be sold also depends on the day of the week and the type of establishment. Beer and wine (not exceeding 17% ABV) can be purchased from grocery stores, convenience stores, and other licensed retailers during the hours outlined above. For liquors, and wines and beers exceeding 17% ABV, sales are restricted to liquor stores, which are open from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday. These stores are closed on Sundays, as well as on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

In addition, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays in stores that sell wine with an alcohol content exceeding 17% ABV on Sundays or past 10 pm on any other day.

Alcohol Consumption Laws

The consumption of alcohol in public places is prohibited outside of licensed drinking establishments. The hours during which alcohol can be consumed in licensed establishments vary. From Monday to Saturday, alcohol can be served from 7 am to 2 am the next morning, and on Sundays from noon to 2 am. However, on Sundays, alcohol may only be served from 10 am to noon if it is accompanied by food.

Dry Counties

It is important to note that Texas has varying county laws regarding alcohol sales. While most counties are either "partially wet" or "completely wet", allowing for the sale of beer, wine, or all types of alcohol, respectively, there are still a few "dry" counties where the sale of alcoholic beverages is illegal.

DUI/DWI Laws

Texas has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08% or higher, they are considered legally intoxicated. For drivers under the age of 17, any detectable BAC may result in DUI charges. Texas is an implied consent state, meaning that individuals give consent for drug or alcohol testing when requested by law enforcement. Refusing a test may result in an Administrative License Revocation (ALR).

The penalties for driving under the influence vary depending on the severity of the offense, criminal history, and specific details of the crime. Consequences can include fines, jail time, loss of a driver's license, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.

Beer laws in Ontario

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for overseeing the sale and service of alcohol in the province. It licenses and regulates alcohol retailers, including the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), private businesses such as The Beer Store, grocery stores, and manufacturers' retail stores.

In terms of beer sales specifically, here are the key points:

• The LCBO is the largest alcohol retailer in Canada and sells a comprehensive range of alcoholic beverages through its retail stores, website, and convenience outlets.
• The Beer Store is Ontario's largest retailer of beer, with 430 outlets, and also distributes beer to the LCBO, bars, and restaurants.
• Up to 450 grocery stores are authorized to sell beer and cider, with about 150 of those stores also selling wine.
• As of August 1, 2024, participating convenience stores, grocery stores, and big-box grocery stores across Ontario can sell beer, along with wine, cider, coolers, seltzers, and other low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages.
• The LCBO will remain the only retailer that can sell spirits such as vodka, gin, and whiskey.
• Beer can be sold during standard hours of sale, which are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
• Alcohol sales are restricted to those 19 years of age or older, and fully trained staff must ensure that Ontario's standards for social responsibility are met.

The Ontario government has stated that these changes are aimed at providing consumers with more choice and convenience by expanding the number of retail locations where alcohol can be purchased.

Beer laws in Colorado

The sale of alcohol in Colorado is overseen by the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division, which enforces the state's liquor control laws and tobacco control laws. The state's liquor laws are subject to change, with voters deciding on three major changes in 2022.

Currently, retail stores in Colorado sell spirits, wine, and beer, while grocery and convenience stores sell only 3.2% beer and only outside the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Package stores are open from 8 a.m. until midnight and are closed on Sundays. Bars stop selling alcohol between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.

To work in a bar or package store in Colorado, you must be 21 or over, but you can serve alcohol in a restaurant from the age of 18, as long as a supervisor over the age of 21 is present.

Colorado's open container laws state that previously opened bottles of alcohol must be stored in a car's trunk and that no one in a vehicle may have an open alcohol container.

The maximum blood-alcohol content (BAC) level in Colorado is .08%, which is the same as in most states. For drivers with a higher BAC, they are considered 'per se intoxicated' and can be convicted on the BAC result alone. A driver refusing to allow BAC testing or with a BAC result of .17% or above will face more severe minimum mandatory penalties.

Colorado also has zero tolerance laws intended to prevent under-age drinking and driving. A driver under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02% or above is subject to DUI penalties.

Where to buy beer

Depending on where you are located, there are various options for where to buy beer.

New York

In New York, you can buy beer from most retailers 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday outside of the hours of 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. Gas stations and grocery stores in New York can also sell beer during these hours, as long as it is in its original packaging and not consumed on the premises.

Burlington, Vermont

In Burlington, Vermont, there are several stores that offer a wide selection of craft beers, including Beverage Warehouse on Pearl Street and 802 BWS on North Avenue. Additionally, the Cheese & Wine Traders store offers a range of local beers and wines.

Ontario

In Ontario, Canada, beer can be purchased at licensed grocery and convenience stores, as well as at LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) outlets and The Beer Store. The number of retail locations where alcohol can be sold is expanding, providing consumers with more choices and convenience.

Please note that local laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales and consumption may vary depending on your location, so it is always a good idea to check the specific rules for your area.

Frequently asked questions