Buying Beer At Aldi: Minnesota Laws Explained

Alcohol availability at Aldi stores in the US varies by state. While some Aldi locations in America sell a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including red, white, and sparkling wines, plentiful beer options, and hard beverages like ciders and seltzers, others do not sell alcohol at all. This is because, in certain states and municipalities, alcohol sales at grocery stores are prohibited by law. Minnesota is one of the states where Aldi does not sell alcohol.

Minnesota's Aldi beer and wine sales

Minnesota has strict liquor laws that prohibit the sale of liquor in grocery stores. Liquor stores must have their own entrances and cash registers. Aldi, with its focus on cost-efficiency, may not find it financially viable to operate separate storefronts and employ additional staff to sell liquor.

While liquor sales are prohibited in Minnesota's Aldi stores, beer sales are allowed, but with a restriction on ABV content. Beer sold in grocery stores must be 3.2% ABV or lower.

Some Aldi stores in other states do sell liquor, beer, and wine. These include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, and New York only sell beer and hard drinks, while other states have access to Aldi's wine selection, which includes brands like Winking Owl, Quarter Cut, and Peaks & Tides.

If you're in Minnesota and looking to buy beer or wine from Aldi, you can use their store locator to find a store near you that sells alcohol.

Aldi's alcohol selection

Aldi's wine selection includes their Specially Selected premium collection, which features wines from around the world, such as the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, the Uco Valley Malbec from Argentina, and the Alto Adige Pinot Grigio from Italy. They also offer the Winking Owl brand, which includes varieties such as Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Sangria. Prices for these wines range from $4.95 to $9.99.

Aldi also offers the Exquisite Collection, which includes a Chardonnay made from California grapes, priced at $10.99, and the Giretto ("little trip" in Italian) Pinot Grigio, produced in the Delle Venezie region of northern Italy, priced at $5.99.

In addition to their wine selection, Aldi also offers a range of beers, such as the Shuteye Peak Pale Ale, Hopping Nomad Session IPA, and Wernesgrüner Pilsner. They also have non-alcoholic options, such as sparkling grape juice cocktail and apple cider.

Alcohol sales in grocery stores

In states like Massachusetts, grocery stores need a separate alcohol license to sell beer and wine, and there is a limit to how many licenses one owner can have. Some states, such as Texas, only allow liquor sales in liquor stores that are closed on Sundays. Maryland has similar restrictions, prohibiting the sale of alcohol in grocery stores.

On the other hand, states like West Virginia and Virginia allow all Aldi stores to sell both beer and wine. Connecticut recently changed its laws to permit beer sales in grocery stores, and New York now allows certain Aldi locations to sell beer.

The variation in alcohol sales across states is largely due to differences in state and local licensing laws and regulations. Ultimately, it is important for consumers to be aware of the specific rules and restrictions in their state, as these can impact the availability of alcohol in grocery stores like Aldi.

Aldi's non-alcoholic drinks

Aldi, the discount supermarket chain, offers a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks to cater to various preferences. The availability of specific drinks may vary based on location, but Aldi's beverage selection typically includes:

Water

Aldi offers a variety of water options, including purified, sparkling, flavoured, and infused water. Their PurAqua Purified Drinking Water is available in a convenient 24-pack, providing an affordable and reliable option for staying hydrated.

Coffee

Coffee enthusiasts can explore a range of coffee types, flavours, and formats at Aldi. From ground coffee to whole bean options, you can find classics like Colombian coffee and unique flavours such as Cinnamon Bun Iced Coffee. Aldi also offers Fair Trade and organic coffee options for those who value sustainability.

Tea

Tea lovers will appreciate the selection of black, green, and herbal teas available at Aldi. Choose from well-known brands like Arizona and Benner, or try their exclusive Barissimo tea range. Whether you prefer sweet or unsweet, flavoured, or traditional, Aldi has something for every tea drinker.

Fruit Juices and Kombucha

For a refreshing and nutritious option, Aldi provides a wide array of fruit and vegetable juices. From orange juice to unique blends like the Pacific Fruit Vineyards Sweet Pineapple Wine, there's something for everyone. They also offer kombucha, such as GT's Gingerade or Trilogy Kombucha, for those seeking a healthy, fermented tea option.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Aldi carries popular sports and energy drinks to fuel your workouts and provide a mid-day boost. Find well-known brands like Gatorade and Red Bull, alongside their own Elevation protein shakes and powders, to support your fitness journey.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

Aldi also offers non-alcoholic alternatives to traditional adult beverages. Their range includes sparkling grape juice cocktail, apple cider, and unique drinks like Ashwood Hard Root Beer, providing fun options for those who want the experience without the alcohol.

While the availability of certain products may vary by location, Aldi's non-alcoholic drink selection offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a morning pick-me-up, a refreshing afternoon beverage, or a healthy alternative to traditional soft drinks.

Alcohol sales by state

Alcohol sales laws vary significantly across the United States, with each state having its own set of regulations. These laws govern the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. While the 21st Amendment grants states the power to regulate alcohol within their jurisdiction, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 mandates a minimum drinking age of 21 across all states.

In Minnesota, where you can buy beer at Aldi, the laws are relatively restrictive. Liquor sales are not permitted in regular grocery stores, and liquor stores must have separate entrances and cash registers. This means that stores focused on cost efficiency, like Aldi, may find it financially unviable to sell liquor. However, beer can be purchased in grocery stores as long as it has an ABV of 3.2 or less.

Other states have their own unique regulations. For example, in Massachusetts, there is a cap on the number of liquor licenses that can be held by a single owner, and in Texas, liquor stores are closed on Sundays. In contrast, states like Nevada have few restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol beyond the minimum age requirement.

The variation in alcohol sales laws across states can be attributed to the complex and fragmented regulatory landscape in the United States, which creates challenges for businesses operating in multiple states. These regulations also impact consumer experiences, as the availability and accessibility of alcoholic beverages differ depending on their location.

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