West Virginia Memorial Day Beer Buying Guide

West Virginia's alcohol laws are more complex than they first appear, owing to a provision of the state constitution and workarounds of its terms. In general, you can buy beer in West Virginia seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. However, liquor sales are prohibited on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, and between midnight and 6 a.m. each day. So, can you buy beer in West Virginia on Memorial Day? Well, it's not a public holiday that liquor stores are barred from operating on, like Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. In fact, liquor stores in West Virginia will be open on Memorial Day, so you can stock up on booze for your backyard barbecue.

West Virginia's alcohol laws

The state constitution, Article VI, Section 46, passed to repeal prohibition in 1934, prohibits the consumption of "intoxicating liquors" in a "saloon or other public place". However, the state worked around this prohibition in 1937 by redefining standard beer as "non-intoxicating beer", thus allowing its sale in bars and restaurants. All beer vendors to this day are legally selling "non-intoxicating beer".

The retail sale of beer and wine is prohibited daily between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. The retail sale of liquor is prohibited on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, and between midnight and 6:00 a.m each day. Private clubs must close by 3:30 a.m. and remain closed until 6:00 a.m each day. Taverns/bars must close by 2:30 a.m. and remain closed until 6:00 a.m each day.

On-premise retailers can sell all forms of alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. Off-premise retailers can sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day. Liquor can be sold for off-premise consumption between 6 a.m. and midnight.

Liquor stores may not open on Sundays. However, both on- and off-premise consumption retailers are allowed to open during the same hours as the rest of the week.

West Virginia is not a dry state, but it does have one dry area: the town of Brandonville, where alcohol cannot be purchased.

The minimum drinking age in West Virginia is 21, in line with the rest of the United States.

As for Memorial Day, liquor stores in West Virginia will be open. However, it is always recommended to call ahead to check the hours of your local liquor store.

Beer and wine availability

In West Virginia, you can buy beer and wine seven days a week, including public holidays such as Memorial Day. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day. Off-premise retailers, such as grocery and convenience stores, can sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. as well.

However, there are some restrictions on the retail sale of beer and wine in West Virginia. The sale of these alcoholic beverages is prohibited daily between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, there may be variations in availability depending on the county and municipality. For example, until August 11, 2021, Calhoun County was dry for wine and hard liquor sales. Now, there is only one dry municipality left in West Virginia: Brandonville.

It is also worth noting that while beer and wine are widely available in West Virginia, liquor has more restricted sales. Liquor stores in West Virginia are closed on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, and between midnight and 6 a.m. every day.

The availability of beer and wine in West Virginia is generally convenient for residents and visitors, especially compared to neighbouring states, which has benefited West Virginia economically.

Liquor store locations

In West Virginia, you can buy beer and other alcoholic beverages seven days a week. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell all forms of alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. Off-premise retailers, such as package and liquor stores, can sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. and liquor from 6 a.m. to midnight.

When it comes to Memorial Day specifically, liquor stores in West Virginia will be open. However, it is always a good idea to call ahead to your local store to double-check their hours, as they can vary by location.

• Sam's Club Liquor: Located in multiple cities across West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, and Parkersburg.
• ABC Liquor Store: Located in Charleston, this store offers a wide range of liquor, wine, and beer options.
• The Wine Shop: Located in Morgantown, this store specializes in fine wines but also offers a selection of craft beers and spirits.
• The Liquor Store: Located in Martinsburg, this store offers a variety of liquor, wine, and beer.
• Uncork & Unwind: Located in Hurricane, this store offers a unique selection of wines, craft beers, and spirits from local and global producers.

Liquor sales restrictions

In West Virginia, you can buy beer, wine, and liquor seven days a week. On-premise retailers can sell all forms of alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. Off-premise retailers can sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. and liquor from 6 a.m. to midnight.

However, there are some restrictions on liquor sales in West Virginia. Liquor stores are closed on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, and liquor sales are prohibited between midnight and 6 a.m. each day. Private clubs must close by 3:30 a.m. and remain closed until 6 a.m. each day, while taverns/bars must close by 2:30 a.m. and remain closed until 6 a.m. each day.

Additionally, there are some dry areas in West Virginia where alcohol sales are prohibited. The town of Brandonville is the only dry municipality in the state, meaning you cannot buy alcohol there. The rest of the state is wet and allows the sale of alcohol.

When it comes to Memorial Day specifically, liquor stores in West Virginia will generally be open. However, it's always a good idea to check the hours of your local liquor store, as holiday hours may vary.

Drinking laws

In 1948, the state started licensing private clubs, such as golf clubs and country clubs, allowing them to sell wine and liquor by the drink. In 1961, the state introduced a new type of "private club", which, in practice, are simply public places. Patrons become "members" with the purchase of their first drink, which comes with a one-dollar "discount".

The retail sale of beer and wine is prohibited daily between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. The retail sale of liquor is prohibited on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, and between midnight and 6:00 a.m. each day. Private clubs must close by 3:30 a.m. and remain closed until 6:00 a.m. each day. Taverns and bars must close by 2:30 a.m. and remain closed until 6:00 a.m. each day.

The drinking age in West Virginia is 21, and it is illegal for the driver or passengers to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. The minimum drinking age is consistent across the United States.

In most states, you can buy alcohol on Memorial Day, and West Virginia is no exception. However, liquor stores in Texas, for example, are barred from operating on Sundays and certain holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Frequently asked questions