Buying Beer: Availability And Accessibility Explored

Whether you can buy beer depends on where you are and when you want to buy it. Beer is widely available in shops and restaurants, but there are some places where it is harder to come by. For example, in Pennsylvania, liquor stores closed for two weeks in March 2020, though beer could still be purchased at major supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants. In Colorado, beer was previously only available in liquor stores, but since 2019, it can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores. However, only beer with 3.2% alcohol content was previously available in these stores, and full-strength beer is now available for the first time. Beer is also available in most states on the Fourth of July, except in dry towns or counties.

Beer expiration and shelf life

Beer does expire, but it doesn't go bad in the same way that food does. It won't necessarily become unsafe to drink, but its flavour and quality will deteriorate over time. Beer is best consumed as fresh as possible, especially hop-heavy styles like IPAs, as hops are one of the more delicate characteristics of beer and are the first to show signs of ageing.

The longevity of beer depends on several factors, including the type of beer, how it is packaged, and how it is stored. Beer stored in a more transparent bottle will have a shorter shelf life, as light will speed up oxidation and deteriorate flavours. Beer in brown bottles or aluminium cans is better protected from light.

Commercially produced, unopened beer stored in a cool, dark place will generally have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months past the printed expiration date. High-ABV beers like barley wines and imperial stouts can last for years, improving with age due to the stabilizing effect of higher alcohol content. Sour and wild ales can also last for several years, with flavours evolving over time.

Once opened, beer should be consumed within a day or two. Exposure to oxygen causes oxidation, which leads to stale flavours. Beer that has been left too long will develop off-flavours and aromas, such as a cardboard-like or stale taste, and a reduced aroma.

While drinking expired beer is generally not hazardous, it can be unpleasant and undesirable.

Beer during COVID-19 lockdowns

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries and states implemented lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus. These lockdowns resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses, leading to concerns about the availability of certain goods, including beer. However, in most places, beer remained accessible to the public, albeit with some adjustments to the purchasing process.

In Pennsylvania, for instance, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) closed its Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and ended online sales in March 2020. Nevertheless, beer could still be purchased from major supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants offering to-go services. This ensured that beer remained available to consumers, even with the temporary closure of dedicated liquor stores.

In other states, such as Colorado, the rules and regulations surrounding beer sales were already complex before the pandemic. Prior to 2019, Colorado's laws only allowed the sale of beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight in grocery and convenience stores, with higher alcohol content beer restricted to liquor stores. However, a change in legislation in 2019 meant that full-strength beer could be sold in various retail outlets, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and big-box retailers.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, each state and country had its own set of rules and restrictions. While some places allowed the sale of alcohol, including beer, others may have had more stringent measures in place. It is always important to follow the guidelines provided by local and national health authorities to ensure the safety of the community.

Overall, while the COVID-19 lockdowns may have caused some initial uncertainty about the availability of beer, most places were able to adapt and continue supplying beer to consumers through supermarkets, restaurants, and, in some cases, dedicated liquor stores.

Beer on the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a day of celebration and what's a celebration without a cold beer? The good news is that, in most places in the US, you can buy beer on the Fourth of July. There aren't too many restrictions on July 4 alcohol sales across the country, unless you live in a "dry" county or town. So, if you're planning a party or just want to relax with a refreshing beer, you should be able to stock up.

However, it's always a good idea to check the hours of your local store, as some may choose to close or have reduced hours for the holiday. State-run liquor stores, in particular, may have different operating hours than usual. And, of course, make sure to drink responsibly and follow any local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

In some states, like Pennsylvania, you may be able to buy beer from restaurants or supermarkets, even if liquor stores are closed. It's worth noting that laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales can vary from state to state, and even within different counties or towns within a state. For example, in Colorado, grocery stores were previously only allowed to sell beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight, but as of 2019, they can sell full-strength beer.

So, if you're planning to buy beer on the Fourth of July, it's always a good idea to check the specific rules and regulations for your location, especially if you're in an area with stricter alcohol laws. But generally, you should be able to enjoy a cold beer with your Independence Day celebrations!

Beer strength in Colorado

Prior to 2019, beer sold in grocery and convenience stores in Colorado was limited to 3.2% alcohol by weight or 4% alcohol by volume. This restriction stemmed from the state's Prohibition-era laws, which were unique even among other states that typically allowed the sale of craft beers with higher alcohol content in such stores. To purchase beers with higher alcohol content, consumers in Colorado had to turn to liquor stores.

However, starting on January 1, 2019, a new law took effect that significantly altered the beer landscape in the state. This change was the result of a decade-long debate and advocacy by grocery lobbyists, culminating in the Colorado General Assembly passing Senate Bill 16-197 in 2016. The new law eliminated the two-tier system and allowed all retailers licensed to sell beer to do so regardless of alcohol content.

As a result, consumers in Colorado could now buy full-strength beer at grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and big-box retailers. This change marked a significant shift in the state's alcohol regulations and provided consumers with greater convenience and access to a wider range of beer options.

The impact of this change was felt across the industry, with liquor store owners expressing concern about increased competition and the potential for their beer sales to drop. On the other hand, grocery and convenience stores had to make adjustments to their store layouts and refrigeration systems to accommodate the new full-strength beer offerings.

Beer and grocery stores

In terms of grocery stores selling beer, this practice is allowed in certain states. For instance, in Ontario, Canada, there are several grocery stores licensed to sell beer, including Sobeys, Loblaws, and Real Canadian Superstore, among others. In Colorado, a change in law as of January 1, 2019, allowed grocery and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer for the first time, doing away with Prohibition-era restrictions. Previously, these stores could only sell beer with a lower alcohol content, typically around 3.2% or 4%. Now, Colorado residents can purchase beer with higher alcohol content from a variety of retailers, including grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, and big-box retailers.

It's important to note that regulations regarding beer sales in grocery stores can vary from state to state and country to country. While some locations may allow beer sales in grocery stores, others may have restrictions or prohibit it entirely. Additionally, the selection of beer available in grocery stores may differ from that of specialty liquor stores, with the latter typically offering a wider range of craft beers from smaller brewers.

When it comes to purchasing beer, it's always a good idea to be mindful of local laws and regulations, as well as the specific offerings of your local grocery and liquor stores. Checking store hours and availability, especially during holidays, can help ensure you don't run into any last-minute surprises when stocking up on your favorite brews.

Frequently asked questions