Buying Beer By The Can: Is Single Serving Possible?

Whether or not you can buy a single can of beer depends on where you live and the retailer. Some states, like New York, allow the individual sale of beer cans and bottles, but the retailer may still choose not to sell single cans. Some retailers advertise that they support the sale of single cans, and may even have a cooler of single beers available for purchase. Some retailers allow customers to take single cans from a six-pack, while others frown upon this practice. Some breweries have also found ways to get around the expense of buying individual cans for each beer they make, such as by using generic cans and stickers to indicate what's inside.

Some retailers allow it, but it's frowned upon by staff

Whether or not you can buy a single can of beer depends on the state you're in, the retailer, and the type of store. In some states, like New York, the individual sale of beer bottles and cans is allowed, but this does not mean that the retailer has to let you. For many retailers, the breaking of packs is a huge pain, because it means they’re forced to have to figure out how to sell a broken pack to another patron. Imagine heading to the store to buy your favorite 4-pack of hazy IPA, only to find that the remaining pack in the cooler was missing a can or two. You may opt to just buy a different, complete 4-pack of a rival hazy instead. And then, the sad, broken-up pack just sits on the shelf, getting older, losing flavor, and eventually getting tossed. This is what retailers and many breweries fear, which is why many dissuade the practice.

> "Yes, it is frowned upon. Taking from a 6-pack and making a 5-pack is a pain in the ass. Take from the single bottle area or ask us and we can get you a single. The single we pull will probably be from a 6-pack but we will at least be aware of it and will let us be organized."

Another commenter says:

> "Fo real. People aren't particularly fond of 12oz singles where I'm at, either, and selling the remaining 5 of a sixer is a long shot."

However, some staff members don't mind it if people are taking one or two beers from something that just came out, since a lot of people will want to try a bottle before committing to a 6-pack. If getting rid of the other 4/5 bottles isn't going to be an issue, then some staff are fine with it.

If you want to buy a single beer, your best bet is to shop at a store that advertises that they support the practice. Often, they’ll even have a cooler of single beers available for purchase. If not, ask before you take it upon yourself to break up a pack, because no one likes to see a fight at the register.

It's prohibited by law in some states

The ability to buy a single can of beer varies depending on the state and the retailer. Some states, such as New York, allow the individual sale of beer cans and bottles, but this does not mean that the retailer will permit it. Retailers often find it challenging to sell broken packs to other customers. As a result, they may discourage the practice of selling single cans.

In some states, it is prohibited by law to sell a single can of beer. For example, in Missouri, it was previously illegal to purchase a single 12-ounce bottle of beer from a package store, with a minimum of three bottles required. This means that, depending on the locality, it may be illegal for a store to sell less than the specified amount.

The legal restrictions on selling single cans of beer vary across different states. While some states, like New York, permit the individual sale of beer containers, others, such as Missouri, have had laws prohibiting the sale of less than a specified number of containers. These laws can directly impact the options available to retailers and consumers.

The legal landscape surrounding the sale of single cans of beer is complex and can vary from state to state. While some states allow it, others may have specific laws prohibiting such sales. It is essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations that govern the sale of alcoholic beverages, including beer, in your state or locality.

The laws prohibiting the sale of single cans of beer can have significant implications for both retailers and consumers. Retailers may need to adapt their practices to comply with the law, and consumers may have limited options for purchasing beer in smaller quantities. It is crucial for individuals to be informed about the legal restrictions in their area to ensure they are making legal purchases.

It's a logistical problem for brewers

The sale of single cans of beer is a logistical problem for brewers. Brewers are often required to purchase cans in bulk, with quantities of 100,000 or more at a time. This poses a challenge for smaller breweries that produce a limited number of barrels per year, as they may struggle to fill all the cans within a reasonable timeframe. Additionally, it may be impractical for them to order such large quantities for a single type of beer when consumers demand variety.

To address this issue, some brewers have adopted creative solutions, such as using "generic" printed cans and finding innovative ways to inform customers about the contents. For example, Tommy Bibliowicz of 4 Noses Brewing Company in Broomfield, Colorado, uses one generic can design and a labeler to affix stickers indicating the specific beer inside. This approach has allowed the brewery to quickly change offerings without waiting for new labels or cans, enabling them to test a variety of beers in the market and tweak their regular and seasonal lineups.

Another example is Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis, which initially labeled their generic cans by hand, using stickers to indicate the beer variety. As they grew, they transitioned to printed cans for their core beers and special releases, while still using sticker parties for their King's Reserve line of wood-aged and sour beers.

Rockford Brewing Company in Rockford, Michigan, takes a slightly different approach. They use generic labels, and employees simply write on the label to indicate the contents. Co-owner Seth Rivard explains that they have all their brands on one label, and they check off what's inside, which customers find cool and unique.

These workarounds allow brewers to navigate the logistical challenges of can procurement and provide consumers with the variety they demand. However, it is important to note that the sale of single cans of beer also depends on state regulations and retailer preferences, with some states allowing individual sales and others requiring the purchase of entire packs.

It's a pain for liquor stores

Whether or not you can buy a single can of beer is dependent on the state and the retailer. Some states, like New York, allow the individual sale of beer cans and bottles, but this does not mean that the retailer has to let you. For many retailers, the breaking of packs is a huge pain. It means they have to figure out how to sell the broken pack to another patron. If you were to buy your favorite 4-pack of beer, and it was missing a can or two, you might opt to buy a different, complete 4-pack instead. This leaves the broken pack to sit on the shelf, getting older, losing flavor, and eventually getting tossed. This is what retailers and breweries fear, which is why many dissuade the practice.

Liquor store employees have expressed that it is frowned upon to buy single beers out of 4- or 6-packs. Taking from a 6-pack and making a 5-pack is a pain, as they then have to be aware of the broken pack and stay organized. However, it can be beneficial to sell singles if it means a customer can try a beer before committing to a 6-pack. It can also be a hassle if the remaining beers are difficult to sell.

Breweries have found workarounds to this issue. For example, ordering one "generic" printed can for the brewery and finding ways to alert customers as to what's inside. This can be done through stickers or even a Sharpie. This allows breweries to quickly change beer offerings without having to wait for new labels or cans to arrive.

It's a great way to try new beers

Whether you can buy a single can of beer depends on where you live and the retailer. In some states, like New York, the individual sale of beer cans and bottles is allowed, but this does not mean that the retailer has to let you buy a single can. Many retailers are against the idea of breaking packs as it can be a hassle and cause a loss for them. However, some retailers do support the practice and even have a cooler of single beers available for purchase.

Being able to buy a single can of beer is a great way to try new beers without committing to a full pack. This allows you to experiment with different varieties and find new favourites. You can discover new beers without the risk of wasting money on a pack that you may not enjoy. This is especially beneficial for those who like to explore different craft beers and support smaller breweries.

Some breweries have recognised this and implemented creative solutions. For example, 4 Noses Brewing Company in Broomfield, Colorado, uses one generic can design and affixes stickers to indicate the specific beer inside. This method allows them to quickly change their beer offerings and test a variety of beers in the market. Similarly, Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis uses a fully printed can with a clear sticker strip to indicate the beer name. These strategies enable breweries to release a diverse range of beers without the expense of ordering custom cans for each variety.

Additionally, some retailers offer "make your own six-pack" options, allowing customers to mix and match different beers. This approach gives you the freedom to create a customised pack and explore various options without being restricted to a single brand or type.

Overall, the ability to purchase single cans of beer empowers consumers to broaden their horizons, embrace new flavours, and support a diverse and dynamic beer industry.

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