Buying Beer And Wine On Thanksgiving In Massachusetts

Whether you're planning the entire Thanksgiving menu or simply a guest at the festivities, having some alcoholic beverages to sip while you enjoy the meal makes it more enjoyable. However, if you're in Massachusetts, you'll want to stock up on beer and wine beforehand, as all package stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's holiday calendar for 2023. This is due to the state's Blue Laws, which restrict which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays. While some states allow the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving, Massachusetts is not one of them, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to enjoy a drink with your holiday feast!

Alcohol sales are banned in Massachusetts on Thanksgiving

Massachusetts' Blue Laws restrict which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays under full restriction. According to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's holiday calendar for 2023, all package stores in Massachusetts will remain closed on Thanksgiving.

Additionally, grocery stores also fall under the state's "Blue Laws" restrictions, so most grocery chains will be closed as well. This means that you won't be able to buy alcohol from your local grocery store after your Thanksgiving dinner.

It is important to note that these restrictions vary from state to state, and some states may have different regulations regarding alcohol sales on Thanksgiving. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your state's alcohol control board or individual stores for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

If you are planning to serve alcohol during your Thanksgiving celebrations in Massachusetts, make sure to stock up on your drinks beforehand, as you won't be able to purchase any on the day itself.

Bars and restaurants can still serve alcohol

While Massachusetts' "Blue Laws" restrict the sale of alcohol in package and grocery stores on Thanksgiving, there are still options for those looking to purchase alcoholic beverages on the holiday. Bars and restaurants remain unaffected by these regulations and can continue to serve alcohol as usual. This means that while you may not be able to stock up on liquor, beer, or wine from stores, you can still enjoy a drink with your Thanksgiving dinner at your local bar or restaurant.

The "Blue Laws" are a set of restrictions implemented by the Massachusetts government that control which businesses can operate on Sundays or holidays. Thanksgiving falls under these restrictions, resulting in the closure of package stores and most grocery chains. However, these laws do not extend to establishments like bars and restaurants, which are free to remain open and serve alcohol.

For those who prefer to celebrate the holiday with a drink in hand, bars and restaurants provide a welcome alternative to the closed package and grocery stores. It's important to note that these establishments may be busier than usual, as they cater to individuals and families looking to indulge in alcoholic beverages during their Thanksgiving celebrations. If you plan to visit a bar or restaurant, it's recommended to make reservations or arrive early to secure your spot.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that some privately-owned retailers may also be open on Thanksgiving, depending on the discretion of their owners. While state-owned liquor stores are required to abide by the "Blue Laws," private businesses have the flexibility to remain open if they choose to do so. This provides another option for those seeking to purchase alcohol on the holiday.

In conclusion, while the "Blue Laws" restrict alcohol sales in package and grocery stores on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, bars and restaurants remain unaffected. These establishments can still serve alcohol, providing an option for those who wish to include drinks as part of their Thanksgiving celebrations. So, if you're looking to raise a glass with your loved ones, you can head to your nearby bar or restaurant and enjoy the holiday with a festive beverage.

Grocery stores are also closed, so no beer there

In Massachusetts, Thanksgiving falls under the "Blue Laws", which are restrictions on which businesses can be open on Sundays or holidays. This means that all package stores 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. This means that you won't be able to buy beer or wine from your local grocery store after your Thanksgiving dinner. It's important to plan ahead and stock up on your desired beverages before Thanksgiving if you intend to drink on the day.

While the sale of alcohol in grocery stores is prohibited on Thanksgiving, it's worth noting that some privately-owned retailers and liquor stores may be open at the owner's discretion. These stores can remain open or closed depending on their preference. However, it's always a good idea to call ahead or check with individual stores, as their hours may vary. Additionally, you can still purchase drinks at bars and restaurants on Thanksgiving.

The "Blue Laws" that restrict alcohol sales on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts are not unique to the state. Several other states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas, also prohibit the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving. Some states, like Louisiana, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, have a mix of open and closed state-owned liquor stores during the holiday.

Privately-owned retailers may be open, but call ahead

If you're in Massachusetts and you've forgotten to stock up on beer and wine ahead of Thanksgiving, you might be wondering if you can pop to your local retailer to pick some up. Well, the answer is... it's complicated.

Thanksgiving falls under Massachusetts' "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. However, some privately-owned retailers may choose to remain open. So, if you're desperate for a beer or a glass of wine with your Thanksgiving dinner, it's worth calling ahead to check if any privately-owned stores in your area are open.

While some states have state-operated liquor stores, others are more lenient with alcohol sales. Some only allow beer to be sold in supermarkets, while others don't restrict the type of alcohol that can be sold. It's always best to check with individual stores or contact your state's alcohol control board for the most up-to-date information.

So, if you're in Massachusetts and need some alcohol for Thanksgiving, your best bet is to call ahead and check with privately-owned retailers, as they may be your only option for purchasing beer or wine.

Massachusetts' Blue Laws restrict businesses on Sundays and holidays

The Massachusetts Blue Laws govern the hours of operation for certain businesses, including retail and non-retail establishments, on Sundays and some legal holidays. These laws are enforced by the Attorney General's Office, with the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) overseeing local permits for businesses to open on days they would otherwise be closed.

On Sundays, retailers can open at any time without approval or a permit. However, most retailers that employ more than seven workers, including the owner, must pay employees at least a premium rate. This premium pay rate requirement was phased out on January 1, 2023. Additionally, most retailers cannot require employees to work on Sundays, and they cannot be punished or retaliated against for refusing to do so.

Non-retail businesses generally cannot operate on Sundays unless they fall within specific exemptions or obtain a permit from the local police department. Manufacturers are also typically prohibited from opening on Sundays without a permit, but they can petition the Attorney General for a temporary exemption.

Regarding legal holidays, businesses that are allowed to operate on Sundays due to exemptions are generally permitted to operate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Columbus Day after 12:00 p.m., and Veterans Day after 1:00 p.m. without restrictions. However, there are partially restricted and restricted holidays where special rules apply, such as Columbus Day before noon and Veterans Day before 1:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays under full restriction in Massachusetts, meaning that package stores and most grocery chains will be closed, and the purchase of alcohol is restricted.

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