Buying Beer In Connecticut: Grocery Store Guide

In Connecticut, beer can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores, while wine and spirits are available in retail package stores. Grocery stores are permitted to deliver beer, but they can't sell wine or spirits.

Beer can be purchased in grocery stores in Connecticut

Connecticut alcohol laws permit adults (aged 18 or older) to sell alcohol in restaurants, tend bar, or sell alcohol for off-site drinking. There are no differences for beer, wine, or liquor (distilled spirits). In Connecticut, the minimum age to drink alcohol is 21.

The state's alcohol industry features over 40 distilled spirits producers and bottlers, more than 120 breweries, and over 40 wineries. In 2023, Connecticut sold 26.4 million cases of beer.

Spirits and wine are available in retail package stores

In Connecticut, beer is available for purchase in grocery and convenience stores. However, spirits and wine are only available in retail package stores, also known as "packies". These stores are open from 8 am until 10 pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10 am until 6 pm on Sundays.

Package stores are the only place to buy spirits and wine due to Connecticut's unique regulatory framework. The state is the only one in the country with mandatory minimum pricing laws, requiring retailers to sell at a minimum margin above wholesale cost and prohibiting volume discounts to retailers. This means that retailers must sell at a certain price, and cannot offer discounts for bulk purchases. This has made Connecticut uncompetitive with its neighbouring states, and many residents travel across state lines to purchase alcohol at lower prices.

The state's alcohol industry features over 40 distilled spirits producers and bottlers, more than 120 breweries, and over 40 wineries. Despite this, the state ranks 28th in distilled spirits consumption, with annual sales of approximately 3.5 million cases. In 2023, Connecticut sold 4.6 million 9-litre cases of spirits, along with 6 million cases of wine, and 26.4 million cases of beer.

While beer can be purchased in grocery stores, spirits and wine are only available in package stores due to the state's alcohol regulations.

Alcohol cannot be sold in stores on Sundays or holidays

Prior to the repeal, liquor store owners worried that the law would hurt their businesses. They believed that if people could buy beer from grocery stores on Sundays, they wouldn't make additional trips to liquor stores. They also anticipated higher operating costs as they would need to be open for an extra day.

However, a study by UConn researchers found that the repeal of the law did not have any significant adverse effects on liquor stores. There was an initial jump in beer sales at both grocery and liquor stores, but this was short-lived and sales returned to normal levels within a month. The study also found that the number of independent liquor stores in the state actually increased slightly over time, demonstrating that the law change did not have the negative impact that many liquor store owners had feared.

While alcohol cannot be purchased in stores on Sundays or holidays, it can be sold at restaurants and other on-premise establishments from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Additionally, grocery stores are permitted to deliver beer, and some gas stations sell beer as well.

People under 21 cannot buy alcohol in Connecticut

In the state of Connecticut, the legal drinking age is 21. This means that people under 21 cannot buy alcohol in the state. The law applies to both residents and visitors.

Connecticut alcohol laws permit adults (18 or older) to serve alcohol in restaurants, tend bars, and sell alcohol for off-site drinking. However, it is illegal for those under 21 to buy or possess alcohol. The penalty for buying or possessing alcohol as a minor includes a fine of at least $200, but it could be as high as $500, and the state may suspend the offender's driving license. If the offender does not yet have a license, Connecticut may delay issuing one to them.

Connecticut has a unique regulatory framework for alcohol sales. It is the only state in the country with mandatory minimum pricing laws, which require retailers to sell at a minimum margin above wholesale cost and prohibit volume discounts to retailers. Alcohol is available for purchase in grocery and convenience stores, but only beer can be purchased in these stores. Spirits and wine are available at retail package stores. Restaurants and bars serve alcohol from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Alcohol cannot be sold anywhere on Sundays or holidays.

While Connecticut laws allow the sale of beer in grocery stores, individual towns and counties may have their own regulations. For example, the township of Bridgewater is dry, so it is illegal to sell beer, wine, or spirits there. Additionally, some counties may have different operating hours for alcohol sales.

Alcohol can be delivered directly to consumers

Alcohol laws vary from state to state in the US, and Connecticut has some unique regulations. Alcohol is available for purchase in grocery stores in Connecticut, but only beer. Beer, wine, and spirits are sold in package stores, and alcohol delivery services are also available.

Alcohol Delivery Services in Connecticut

Connecticut package stores can deliver beer, wine, spirits, and other alcohol products to their customers, and there are several alcohol delivery services available in the state. Drizly, for example, has over 80 liquor store partners throughout Connecticut and offers contactless delivery. Minibar Delivery is another option, promising to deliver wine, liquor, beer, and more in 30-60 minutes. Instacart also offers alcohol delivery or pickup in Connecticut, with orders typically arriving the same day.

Alcohol Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut has established comprehensive guidelines for direct-to-consumer sales and delivery, which vary by product category. In-state farm wineries may sell, deliver, or ship directly to Connecticut consumers, while out-of-state wineries can ship up to five gallons per person every two months. All shipments must be made through approved in-state transporters.

Beer and Spirits Sales

Beer manufacturers are permitted to sell up to nine liters per person per day for off-premise consumption. Farm distilleries may sell up to 4.5 liters per customer per day for off-premise consumption, while small manufacturers (producing under 25,000 gallons annually) can sell up to 1.5 liters per day to consumers.

On-Premise Retailers (Bars and Restaurants)

On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, may sell sealed containers for off-premise consumption, but they must include food prepared on the premises. They can utilize direct employees or third-party vendors with the proper permits.

Off-Premise Retailers

Off-premise retailers, such as package stores and grocery stores, are authorized for direct delivery to consumers. Grocery stores are permitted to deliver beer, and druggist permittees may deliver alcoholic liquor with restrictions.

Connecticut's Unique Alcohol Regulations

Connecticut is the only state in the country with mandatory minimum pricing laws. These laws require retailers to sell at a minimum margin above wholesale cost and prohibit volume discounts to retailers. The state also has specific requirements for brand registration and price posting, with all alcohol brands required to be registered with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

Connecticut's alcohol market holds a strategic position in the Northeast United States beverage industry. Its location between New York and Massachusetts makes it a middle-market alternative to higher-priced New York City and Boston. The state's alcohol industry features over 40 distilled spirits producers and bottlers, more than 120 breweries, and over 40 wineries, contributing to a vibrant and varied market.

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