Buying Beer At Target In Maryland: What's The Deal?

Maryland has some unique laws regarding when and where you can buy alcohol. Beer and wine cannot be purchased at chain grocery, wholesale, pharmacy, or convenience stores due to a 1978 prohibition. However, there are a few exceptions, with some counties and stores permitted to sell alcohol under a grandfather clause. Target, being a chain store, is generally restricted from selling beer in Maryland, but there may be exceptions in certain counties.

Target's beer and alcohol delivery services

Target offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including liquor, spirits, beer, and wine. While the availability of these products may vary by store, Target strives to provide a convenient shopping experience for its customers seeking alcoholic beverages.

In Maryland, Target stores adhere to local laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol. Maryland has unique laws that restrict the sale of alcohol to freestanding stores, with licensing prohibiting sales at most chain stores. These laws aim to protect small, independent liquor stores from competition with large supermarket chains. However, there are a few exceptions, with some counties allowing the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores.

To enhance convenience for its customers, Target offers same-day delivery options for orders above $35 through its Target Circle 360™ membership program. This service provides fast, free shipping and unlimited same-day delivery on eligible orders. However, it's important to note that alcohol availability may not be eligible for same-day delivery or pickup services in certain locations.

Additionally, Target's website provides valuable information on various alcoholic beverages, including hard seltzers, canned cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Customers can also find top deals and the latest trends to make informed purchasing decisions.

While Target aims to provide a seamless shopping experience for alcoholic beverages, it is important to remember that alcohol laws and regulations can vary by state and county. These laws govern the availability, delivery, and pickup options for alcoholic beverages. Therefore, customers in Maryland should refer to their local laws and Target's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Target's beer and alcohol delivery services in their specific area.

Buying beer at Target stores in Maryland counties

Maryland has some unique laws regarding when and where you can buy alcohol that differ from its neighbouring states. These laws also vary from county to county.

Target stores in different Maryland counties adhere to local laws and limitations. Alcohol availability varies by store and may not be eligible for same-day delivery or pickup services in some locations.

Where can you buy beer in Maryland?

Current Maryland law allows for all alcohol to be purchased at free-standing stores and licensing prohibits sales at most chain stores. A 1978 statewide prohibition prevents most grocery stores from selling beer, although a handful of grandfathered-in chains are permitted to sell beer, subject to individual county laws.

Yes and no. Maryland laws grandfathered permission in 1978 for a limited number of chain stores to sell beer, subject to county laws. Wholesale clubs like Costco, BJ's and Sam's Club are out of luck in Maryland, with DC being the closest retailer.

Senate Bill 763 sought to change Maryland's restrictive laws regarding locations and licensing for alcohol sales in convenience stores while meeting specific food standards. However, gas stations in Maryland do not sell beer due to local laws and limitations.

Alcohol sales hours in Maryland

Maryland has unique laws regarding when and where you can buy alcohol, which differ from those in neighbouring states like Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. These laws vary by county, due to the wide latitude of home rule granted to Maryland counties.

In most Maryland counties, you can buy alcohol from Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 2 am. However, Sunday sales vary greatly and are subject to local laws. Most Maryland counties don't allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays, but those that do typically allow sales from 11 am to 12 am. The permitted hours in counties where Sunday sales are allowed are 8 am to 11 pm, but stores may choose to operate reduced hours. Baltimore and Prince George's counties are among those that prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

Maryland also has specific laws regarding the types of stores that can sell alcohol. A 1978 statewide prohibition prevents most grocery stores from selling alcohol. However, a handful of chain stores are grandfathered into the law and are permitted to sell beer and wine, subject to individual county laws. These include certain locations of Costco, BJ's, and Sam's Club. Additionally, gas stations in Maryland are not allowed to sell alcohol due to local laws and limitations.

Maryland's alcohol excise tax

The alcohol excise tax in Maryland is as follows:

• Beer Tax: $0.09/gallon, plus a 9% sales tax, and an additional $0.2333/gallon tax in Garrett County.
• Wine Tax: $0.40/gallon, plus a 9% sales tax.
• Distilled Spirits Tax: $1.50/gallon, plus a 9% sales tax.

These taxes are in addition to the federal alcohol excise taxes, which are:

• Beer Federal Excise Tax: $18.00/31-gallon barrel, or $0.05 per 12-oz can.
• Wine Federal Excise Tax: $1.07 to $3.40/gallon; $0.21 to $0.67/750ml bottle.
• Distilled Spirits Federal Excise Tax: $13.50/proof gallon or $2.14/750ml 80-proof bottle (40% ABV).

It's important to note that excise taxes are separate from Maryland Sales and Use Tax, which is collected as a percentage of the final purchase price of alcohol. Additionally, there are specific rules and exemptions for travelling with and bringing alcoholic beverages into Maryland from other states and territories, as well as from outside the United States.

Buying alcohol online in Maryland

Maryland has some unique laws regarding when and where you can buy alcohol, which differ from those in neighbouring states like Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. These laws vary by county, due to the wide latitude of home rule granted to Maryland counties.

In Maryland, you can buy alcohol online through sites like Drizly, which has partnerships with stand-alone liquor stores. However, delivery is subject to county regulations and restrictions. Drizly offers contactless delivery, where you can show your ID to the driver without touching it.

Maryland is one of the few states that prohibit the purchase of beer and wine in chain grocery, wholesale, pharmacy, and convenience stores. This is due to a 1978 statewide prohibition, although a handful of grandfathered-in chains are among the exceptions.

In most Maryland counties, you can buy alcohol from Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 2 am, while Sunday sales vary. Most Maryland counties don't allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays, but those that do allow sales from 11 am to 12 am. In counties where Sunday sales are permitted, the hours are typically from 8 am to 11 pm, but individual stores may vary their hours. Several counties, including Prince George's and Baltimore, do not allow retail alcohol sales on Sundays.

Maryland has a three-tier system for alcohol sales, with importers and wholesalers in the middle tier, selling products to distributors, who then sell to retailers. Only Maryland residents can obtain an alcohol sales permit.

Frequently asked questions