Buying Beer: Location-Based Availability And Restrictions

Whether you can buy beer where you are depends on a number of factors, including the time of day, the day of the week, the type of business, and the type of alcohol.

In the United States, laws regarding alcohol sales vary widely across states and even within local jurisdictions. Some states keep it simple with a single set of hours for all types of liquor sales, but generally, alcohol selling hours are dictated by the premises/business type, alcohol type, and the day of the week.

For example, in Arizona, you can buy alcohol between 6 am and 2 am every day of the year, whereas in California, you can buy alcohol on- or off-premises from 6 am to 2 am any day, with cities and counties able to set additional restrictions. In Iowa, alcohol selling hours run from 8 am to 2 am on Sunday, and from 6 am to 2 am every other weekday.

Additionally, some states and local jurisdictions may have more restrictive laws for certain types of businesses or alcohol. For instance, in Ohio, most stores stop selling beer after 1 am, but bars can remain open until 2 am, and some even allow beer sales on Sundays.

It's important to check your local laws and regulations to ensure you're compliant with alcohol sales restrictions in your area.

Local alcohol laws

• Retail Sale Restrictions: Local laws may dictate the hours during which alcohol can be sold at retail stores. For instance, in Wisconsin, the state law prohibits the retail sale of liquor and wine between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, and beer sales are prohibited between midnight and 6:00 am. Additionally, local municipalities in Wisconsin can further restrict these hours or ban the issuance of retail liquor licenses altogether.
• Bar and Restaurant Regulations: There are often specific rules governing the operation of bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. For example, bars in Wisconsin are required to be closed between 2:00 am and 6:00 am from Monday to Friday and between 2:30 am and 6:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays. However, exceptions are made on New Year's Eve and for changes in Daylight Saving Time.
• Drinking Age and Minors: The legal drinking age is usually strictly enforced, and providing alcohol to minors is prohibited. In Wisconsin, the drinking age is 21, but there are some exceptions. Minors between 18 and 20 years old may possess (but not consume) alcohol as part of their employment, and those under 21 may consume alcohol if they are with a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age.
• Driving Under the Influence: Local laws outline penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. In Wisconsin, there is no minimum jail sentence for a first or second offence, but financial penalties range from $150 to $300. A third offence results in a confinement sentence of 45 days to one year and a financial penalty of $600 to $2000.
• Online Alcohol Sales: The laws for shipping alcohol can vary by state, and some states may prohibit it altogether. When purchasing alcohol online, it's important to check the retailer's shipping restrictions to ensure they can deliver to your location.

It's always a good idea to refer to your local government's website or seek legal advice if you have specific questions or concerns about the alcohol laws in your area. Remember, the information provided here may not be exhaustive, and it's your responsibility to stay informed about the laws that apply to you.

Online beer delivery

To use an online beer delivery service, you typically need to provide your address, which will determine the product pricing and availability in your area. You can then browse the selection of beers on the website and place your order. Some platforms may require you to create an account before checking out.

In terms of payment, some companies offer subscription services, where you can set up weekly or monthly automatic restocking options and receive discounts on your purchases. Others may charge a delivery fee, which can vary depending on the order amount and delivery time. It is always a good idea to review the pricing details before placing your order.

When it comes to receiving your beer delivery, most companies will require you to present a valid photo ID upon delivery to verify your age. This is a standard procedure to ensure that alcohol is not delivered to minors.

Beer types and strengths

Beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world. There are two main categories of beer: ales and lagers. The difference between them lies in the temperature and type of yeast used during fermentation. Ales are brewed at warmer temperatures, typically between 60-75°F, using top-fermenting yeast, resulting in a faster fermentation process and a more complex flavour profile. Lagers, on the other hand, are brewed at cooler temperatures of around 45-55°F, using bottom-fermenting yeast, giving them a crisp, clean taste.

Within these two main categories, there are numerous beer styles, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular types of beer and their strengths:

India Pale Ale (IPA)

IPAs are known for their bold hop flavours and aromas. They can be bitter and have high alcohol levels, typically ranging from 6% to over 10% ABV. Some popular styles include West Coast IPA, British IPA, and New England Style IPA.

Pale Ale

Pale ales are usually hoppy but have a lower alcohol content than IPAs, typically falling between 4% and 5.5% ABV. They are often malty, medium-bodied, and easy to drink. Examples include American amber ale, American pale ale, blonde ale, and English pale ale.

Pilsner

Pilsners fall under the lager category and are known for their light, crisp, and refreshing taste. They typically have an ABV ranging from 3% to over 10% in stronger brews. German pilsners have a pale golden colour and a floral hop aroma, while Czech pilsners are slightly darker and more bitter.

Stout

Stouts are dark beers with robust flavours and a creamy mouthfeel. They range from sweet stouts with low bitterness to highly roasted and bitter American stouts. The alcohol content can vary, with some stouts reaching 13% ABV. A well-known example is the Irish dry stout, Guinness.

Porter

Porters are similar to stouts in appearance but tend to have a more chocolatey flavour than coffee-like. Traditional porters originated in the United Kingdom and typically have an ABV between 4.5% and 12%.

Wheat Beer

Wheat beers use wheat as the malt ingredient, giving them a light colour and crisp, tangy flavour. They often have a low alcohol content, typically between 2.8% and 5.6% ABV. Examples include American pale wheat, Berliner Weisse, and Hefeweizen.

Belgian Beer

Belgian beers are known for their spiced fruity flavours and high alcohol content. They typically have low bitterness and can include styles such as Belgian pale ale, Belgian tripel, and Belgian saison.

Specialty Beers

Specialty beers offer unique flavours and include sour ales, gluten-free beers, farmhouse ales, and experimental brews. They can vary widely in alcohol content, from 3% to over 10% ABV.

Alcohol licenses

Step 1: Determine Your License Type

First, you need to identify the appropriate type of license for your business. Different licenses include:

• Retail Liquor License: Allows the sale of all alcoholic beverages, including spirits, beer, wine, and sometimes high-proof alcohol, for off-site consumption.
• On-Premises Liquor License: Permits the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at bars, restaurants, or entertainment venues.
• Beer and Wine License: Allows the sale of beer and wine, but not hard liquor, and may include on-site and off-site consumption.
• Brewpub License: Enables breweries to sell beer on-site directly to consumers and often includes limited food service.
• Distillery License: Authorizes the production, storage, and sale of distilled spirits or hard liquor.
• Winery License: Permits wineries to produce, store, and sell wine, including on-site consumption and direct sales to consumers.
• Special Event Permit: A temporary permit for serving alcohol at events like festivals, weddings, or fundraisers.

Step 2: Calculate License Cost

License costs vary significantly depending on your location and license type. For example, in Delaware, licensing fees range from $150 to over $3,000. Generally, a beer and wine license is less expensive than a retail or on-premises liquor license.

Step 3: Consider Premises Requirements

In addition to financial requirements, you must also meet certain conditions set by your state or local alcohol regulatory body. Common requirements include proper ownership of the premises, compliance with zoning laws, and adherence to cleanliness and structural standards. If you plan to serve alcohol on-site, you may need to provide adequate restrooms and meet minimum or maximum seating capacity requirements.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submitting your application typically involves multiple steps:

• Complete an initial application filing.
• Notify the governing body of your application.
• Comply with the regulatory body's investigation.
• Submit to a final review.
• Receive your license.

Additional prerequisites may include posting public notices, publishing announcements in local newspapers, notifying neighboring residents, or obtaining zoning permits.

Step 5: Regularly Renew Your License

Most states require periodic license renewals, often involving updated information about ownership, location, or other relevant details. Staying on top of renewals is crucial to maintaining uninterrupted operations and avoiding potential license revocation.

Alcohol and religion

Christianity

Christianity's views on alcohol have evolved over time, with some denominations advocating for moderation, while others promote abstinence. The use of sacramental wine in rituals like the Eucharist underscores its symbolic significance within Christian theology. The Bible's narrative on wine is multifaceted, portraying it as both a source of joy and a cautionary tale of sin and temptation. Christian traditions like the Catholic Church, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism generally allow for responsible alcohol consumption. However, certain denominations, such as the Plymouth Brethren, use non-alcoholic wine in their sacraments.

Islam

In Islam, the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited according to Islamic teachings, and it is often considered a foundational aspect of Muslim identity. This prohibition stems from the belief that alcohol is detrimental to both physical and spiritual well-being and is viewed as an incentive from Satan. However, a minority of Muslims do drink, believing that the Quran does not explicitly forbid it.

Buddhism

Observant Buddhists typically refrain from consuming alcohol, as it violates the Five Precepts, the basic Buddhist code of ethics. However, there are exceptions, such as in Vajrayana Buddhism, where the consumption of meat and alcohol is required by participants during specific rituals.

Hinduism

Hinduism, being a diverse religion without a central authority, presents a varied perspective on alcohol consumption. Religious texts like the Vedas and Upanishads discourage alcohol use, considering intoxication a path to sinfulness and weakness. However, the Smriti texts offer a contrasting view, encouraging alcohol consumption. Brahmins, the priestly caste, are generally forbidden from drinking due to their spiritual responsibilities. Contemporary Hinduism emphasizes individual choice and responsibility, moving away from strict caste-based rules.

Judaism

In Judaism, wine holds a sacred and celebratory role in various rituals and observances, including the Sabbath, Passover Seder, and wedding ceremonies. While Judaism incorporates wine into its traditions, it also promotes moderation and temperance, discouraging excessive drinking.

Other Religions

Other religions, such as the Baháʼí Faith, Jainism, and Sikhism, advocate for abstinence from alcohol. Taoism, on the other hand, incorporates alcohol as an offering and a means of connecting with the divine, emphasizing controlled and mindful consumption.

Frequently asked questions