Buying Beer In Oklahoma: Grocery Store Rules Explained

Oklahoma's liquor laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, and the state now allows grocery stores to sell beer and wine. In 2016, voters approved State Question 792, which brought about comprehensive reform to the state's alcohol laws. This included allowing grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies to sell strong beer and wine. So, if you're planning a romantic dinner, you can now buy your wine or beer at the grocery store, along with your meal ingredients. However, there are still some restrictions on alcohol sales in Oklahoma, with certain hours and days when alcohol sales are prohibited, and limits on the alcohol content of beverages sold at grocery stores.

Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies

The new laws also allowed liquor stores to sell cold beverages and non-alcoholic items, and implemented a territorial franchise wholesale system, which encouraged major domestic brewers and craft brewers to sell their products in the state for the first time in decades.

Prior to these reforms, Oklahoma's alcohol laws were considered antiquated. Distributors, liquor stores, and grocery stores were all affected by the changes. Distributors were no longer allowed to sell all brands of alcohol, and liquor stores were no longer the only places where single-strength beer could be purchased. Grocery stores were now able to sell wine and single-strength beer, creating a one-stop shop for customers.

The sale of alcohol in Oklahoma is still subject to certain restrictions. Alcoholic beverages cannot be sold to minors under the age of 21, and it is a felony to provide alcohol to intoxicated individuals or those who are mentally deficient. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and in some counties, liquor stores are not open on Sundays.

Oklahoma has a range of establishments where alcohol can be purchased, including bars and restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries, and taprooms. Each type of retailer has different hours during which they are allowed to sell alcohol, and some counties may have additional restrictions on these hours.

The alcohol content of beer sold in grocery stores is limited to 9% ABV

Beer can be purchased in grocery stores in Oklahoma, but the alcohol content is limited to 9% ABV. This limit is a result of the state's alcohol laws, which have undergone several changes in recent years.

Until recently, Oklahoma restricted the sale of full-strength beer, with beers below 3.2% ABV labelled as "low-point beer" and the only option available in grocery stores. However, following the passing of State Question 792 in November 2016, the state's alcohol laws underwent significant reform. This included allowing grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies to sell stronger beer and wine.

The alcohol content limit of 9% ABV for beer sold in grocery stores is part of Oklahoma's effort to regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol. These regulations also impact public safety, particularly regarding alcohol-related crashes and personal injuries. While the laws have been relaxed to allow for more convenient alcohol purchases, the state maintains strict penalties for violating alcohol laws, especially those related to driving under the influence.

The alcohol content limit for beer sold in grocery stores in Oklahoma is an important aspect of the state's alcohol regulations. By capping the ABV at 9%, the state aims to strike a balance between providing access to alcoholic beverages and promoting responsible consumption. This limit ensures that consumers have a wider range of options available at grocery stores while still maintaining controls on the strength of the alcohol sold in these settings.

In addition to the alcohol content limit, Oklahoma has other regulations in place for the sale of beer in grocery stores. For example, grocery stores are only permitted to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption. This means that beer purchased in grocery stores cannot be consumed on the store premises or in any adjacent areas. Oklahoma's laws also dictate the hours during which alcohol can be sold, with off-premise retailers, including grocery stores, allowed to sell alcohol between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. daily.

Beer can be sold in grocery stores every day of the week

Grocery stores in Oklahoma can sell beer and wine any day of the week, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. However, they may only sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Additionally, there are limits on the strength of the alcohol that can be sold. Beer can have a maximum ABV of 9%, while wine can go up to 15% ABV.

Prior to the passage of State Question 792, Oklahoma's laws on alcohol sales were more restrictive. Only liquor stores were permitted to sell single-strength beer (above 3.2% ABV). However, with the new law, grocery stores can now carry wines and single-strength beers, providing a more convenient option for consumers.

It is worth noting that while beer can be sold in grocery stores every day, there are still some restrictions on alcohol sales in Oklahoma. For example, liquor stores must be closed on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Additionally, there are counties in Oklahoma that have further restrictions on Sunday liquor sales.

Beer can be sold in grocery stores from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m

Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores in Oklahoma from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week. This is the same for off-premise retailers, such as package and liquor stores, although they can open an hour earlier on Sundays (from noon to midnight).

In 2016, Oklahoma passed State Question 792, which was a comprehensive reform of the state's alcoholic beverage laws. This allowed grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations to sell strong beer and wine, and liquor stores to sell cold beverages.

Prior to this reform, Oklahoma's laws were more restrictive. Only beers below 3.2% ABV, known as "low-point beer", could be purchased at a grocery store. Now, beer up to 9% ABV can be purchased at grocery stores and gas stations.

It's important to note that liquor stores are subject to different hours and are required to be closed on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day.

Oklahoma has a minimum drinking age of 21, and it is a felony to provide alcoholic beverages to minors, the intoxicated, or the "mentally deficient".

Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores on Sundays

On Sundays, off-premise retailers, including grocery stores, can sell alcohol from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. However, liquor stores are only permitted to operate from noon to midnight on Sundays, and only in counties that have authorized Sunday liquor sales. As of 2023, only 11 of Oklahoma's 77 counties have approved Sunday liquor sales.

The sale of alcohol in Oklahoma is regulated by the Alcohol Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) commission. The state's liquor laws also impact public safety, particularly regarding alcohol-related crashes and personal injuries. Oklahoma has strict laws against driving under the influence, with harsh penalties for those who break the law.

The minimum drinking age in Oklahoma is 21, and it is illegal for anyone under this age to purchase or possess alcohol. However, minors may consume alcohol in a "private setting" with parental permission.

Oklahoma's liquor laws have evolved over time, with the state previously prohibiting the sale of alcohol when it became a state in 1907. The laws were gradually relaxed, and in 2016, the state passed comprehensive reforms, allowing for greater accessibility and convenience for consumers.

Frequently asked questions