Buying Beer In Delaware: Grocery Store Availability

In the United States, the Twenty-first Amendment grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction. As such, laws pertaining to the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol vary significantly across the country.

In Delaware, the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC) controls every aspect of alcohol, including manufacturing, licensing, selling, consumption, producing, distributing, and importing.

Currently, the sale of alcohol in grocery stores is not permitted in Delaware. However, there have been recent discussions and proposed legislation to potentially allow direct shipments and home delivery of alcohol in the state.

Delaware's alcohol laws

Alcohol laws in Delaware are controlled by the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC). Alcohol sales are permitted from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays and from 9 am to 1 am Monday to Saturday.

Licensed establishments are not allowed to offer 2-for-1 drinks, and sales are prohibited during national and statewide elections. Alcohol cannot be purchased in grocery stores, and direct-to-consumer shipping is not allowed.

The minimum drinking age in Delaware is 21, and it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone who is intoxicated or appears to be intoxicated. Alcohol must be kept in sealed containers and cannot be sold in open containers.

There are different types of licenses available for selling alcohol, including licenses for on-premises and off-premises consumption, temporary large event licenses, and gathering licenses for nonprofit organizations. The application process for a liquor license involves submitting various documents, such as criminal background checks, information about the business owners, and proof of financial responsibility.

Some specific regulations regarding alcohol sales in Delaware include the prohibition of alcohol sales at mobile establishments, restrictions on the storage of alcoholic beverages, and requirements for safety decals at licensed establishments.

Buying alcohol in Delaware

The hours for buying alcohol vary depending on the type of retailer and the day of the week. Off-premise retailers, such as liquor stores, can sell alcohol from 9 am to 1 am from Monday to Saturday and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays. On-premise retailers, such as restaurants, can sell alcohol from 9 am to 1 am every day, provided they hold a Sunday license.

In Delaware, you cannot buy liquor in grocery stores. However, beer and wine can be purchased in supermarkets and convenience stores. Alcohol can only be purchased for off-premise consumption at a liquor store.

There is no direct-to-consumer shipping or home delivery of alcohol allowed in Delaware. A Delaware resident cannot order alcohol and have it delivered to their home. However, a resident can legally purchase alcohol from a manufacturer and transport it themselves or arrange for shipment.

State-Specific Alcohol Laws in Delaware

Licensed establishments in Delaware are prohibited from offering 2-for-1 drinks. Alcohol sales are also prohibited during national and statewide elections. The state has a minimum drinking age of 21 years, and it is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to anyone who is intoxicated.

Temporary Large Event Licenses

A temporary large event license may be granted to organizers working in agreement with a licensed establishment if certain standards are met. This allows the sale and service of alcohol at special events that are not hosted at licensed establishments or by nonprofit organizations.

Bottle Club Licenses

An establishment with a Bottle Club license allows customers to bring their own alcohol for consumption on the premises and take it with them when they leave. This includes premises rented for weddings or other social gatherings and licensed restaurants. Bartending services and glassware, mixers, and ice can be provided by the Bottle Club, which may charge a fee for these services.

Nonprofit Gathering Licenses

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations can obtain a gathering license for a single-day event or biennially if they meet certain criteria. A gathering license allows the sale and consumption of alcohol at the event and the raffle or auction of up to 10 gallons of alcohol per day for off-premises consumption. The nonprofit organization must keep all proceeds from the sale of alcohol.

Shipping alcohol to Delaware

Direct-to-Consumer Shipping

Delaware law does not allow direct-to-consumer sales by alcohol manufacturers such as wineries, breweries, and distilleries. This means that a Delaware resident cannot order alcohol and have it delivered directly to their home, regardless of the type of order or subscription service. However, a Delaware resident can legally purchase alcohol from a manufacturer and then personally arrange for its shipment or transport it themselves.

Licensing for Out-of-State Wineries and Breweries

A winery or brewery located outside of Delaware may obtain a Direct Shipper license from the Office of the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC). This license enables them to accept orders from Delaware residents and ship wine or beer to a licensed Delaware wholesaler. The alcohol is then available for customer pick-up at a licensed retail store.

Shipping Requirements

When shipping alcohol to Delaware, it is essential to follow the regulations outlined by the OABCC. Alcohol must be shipped by a common carrier or, in certain cases, by the purchaser themselves. If shipped by a common carrier, the individual transporting the alcohol must have a waybill or other evidence of authorised shipment, including the details of the shipper and consignee.

Restrictions on Shipping

There are specific restrictions on who can ship alcohol to Delaware. Only manufacturers or other persons holding a license from the Commissioner are authorised to sell and deliver alcoholic liquor within the state. Additionally, the sale and delivery must be made to a person authorised to receive alcoholic liquor under Chapter 5 of the Delaware Code.

Hours and Days for Shipping

The hours and days for shipping alcohol to Delaware vary depending on the type of retailer. Off-premise retailers, such as retail stores, can sell and ship alcohol from 9 am to 1 am, Monday to Saturday, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays. On-premise retailers, on the other hand, can sell and ship alcohol from 9 am to 1 am, seven days a week.

Taxes and Fees

When shipping alcohol to Delaware, it is important to be mindful of any applicable taxes and fees. The alcohol excise tax in Delaware is $3.00 per gallon for beverages with an alcohol content of 25% or less by volume.

In conclusion, shipping alcohol to Delaware requires strict adherence to the regulations outlined by the OABCC. It is essential to have the appropriate licensing, follow shipping requirements, and be mindful of the authorised days and hours for shipping, as well as any applicable taxes and fees.

Alcohol sales hours in Delaware

Alcohol sales in Delaware are governed by the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC). The OABCC controls every aspect of alcohol in the state, including manufacturing, licensing, selling, consumption, producing, distributing, and importing.

On-Premise Alcohol Sales Hours

On-premise retailers, such as restaurants, brewpubs, taverns, and taprooms, are permitted to sell and serve alcohol between the hours of 8 am and 1 am every day, provided they hold a Sunday license. All alcoholic beverages must be placed in adequate storage areas out of reach of patrons by 1:30 am. No one other than an employee is permitted to remain in a tavern or taproom after 2 am.

Off-Premise Alcohol Sales Hours

Off-premise retailers, such as package stores, are allowed to sell alcohol between the hours of 9 am and 1 am from Monday to Saturday, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays. From October through December, off-premise retailers are permitted to sell alcohol from 8 am on Fridays and Saturdays. No one other than an employee is permitted to remain in a package store after 1 am.

Alcohol Sales Prohibitions

The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas. Additionally, sales are prohibited during national and statewide elections. Licensed establishments are not allowed to offer 2-for-1 drinks.

Alcohol sales locations in Delaware

Alcohol sales laws in Delaware are controlled by the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC), which regulates every aspect of alcohol, including its manufacturing, licensing, selling, consumption, production, distribution, and importing.

Buying Alcohol in Delaware

In Delaware, you can only purchase alcohol for off-premise consumption at a liquor store. The times that you can buy alcohol vary depending on the day of the week. From Monday to Saturday, you can purchase alcohol between 9 am and 1 am. On Sundays, you can purchase alcohol between 12 pm and 8 pm.

The sale of alcohol is not permitted in any grocery stores in Delaware. However, alcoholic beverages can be sold at licensed establishments, including restaurants, brewpubs, taverns, taprooms, package stores, hotels, motels, clubs, beer gardens, and temporary large events.

Shipping Alcohol in Delaware

Delaware does not allow direct-to-consumer shipping or any direct-to-consumer sales of any kind. However, a winery or brewery outside of Delaware may apply for and receive a Direct Shipper license from the OABCC, which allows them to accept orders from Delaware residents and ship wine or beer to a licensed Delaware wholesaler for customer pick-up at a licensed retail store.

Alcohol Sales Restrictions in Delaware

Licensed establishments in Delaware are not allowed to offer 2-for-1 drinks. Sales are also prohibited during national and statewide elections. Alcohol sales are not permitted on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Frequently asked questions