Where To Buy Beer On Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which is observed to honour soldiers who have served the country. It is often celebrated with backyard barbecues and parties, with alcohol being a staple at such gatherings. While liquor laws vary across states, most states allow the sale of alcohol on Memorial Day. However, certain states with stricter liquor laws may have restrictions on alcohol sales during holidays, so it is advisable to stock up on alcohol in advance or check the operating hours of local liquor stores.

Beer, wine, and liquor laws vary by state

In the United States, the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution 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.

Alabama

Beer and wine are not controlled by the state, but spirits are. On and off-premise liquor sales are limited to 2 am on Sundays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but spirits cannot. Alcohol can be served 24 hours a day unless restricted by local ordinances. There is a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and bottles cannot exceed 16 ounces. Wine also faces a 14.9% ABV limit. Homebrewing is currently illegal in Alabama.

Alaska

No alcohol is state-controlled in Alaska. On and off-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 5 am. Liquor sales are not permitted in grocery stores.

Arizona

No alcohol is state-controlled in Arizona. Sales are permitted from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 2 am on Sunday. Drive-through liquor stores are legal.

Arkansas

Alcohol distribution is not state-controlled in Arkansas. On-premise sales are complicated and vary depending on the type of establishment. Off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 1 am Monday through Friday, but only until midnight on Saturdays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only in-state-produced wine is permitted, and spirits are prohibited. Arkansas has many dry counties, but private clubs are exempt from this. Sunday and Christmas Day sales are prohibited, with some exceptions.

California

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in California. Sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am. Wine, beer, and spirits can be sold in grocery stores. California has lenient laws about liquor promotion, but counties can restrict sales with local laws. The sale of alcohol above 76.5% ABV is illegal.

Colorado

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Colorado. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to midnight. Only beer up to 3.2% ABV can be sold in grocery stores. Off-premise sales are allowed seven days a week. Liquor stores are only allowed to operate one location, and absinthe is legal.

Connecticut

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Connecticut. On-premise sales are allowed from 9 am to 1 am Monday through Thursday and 9 am to 2 am on Friday and Saturday. Off-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday and are prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Beer can be sold in grocery stores.

Delaware

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Delaware. On-premise sales are allowed from 9 am to 1 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 9 am to 1 am Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 pm on Sunday, subject to local ordinances. Holiday sales are not allowed, nor is off-premise sales outside of licensed liquor stores, taprooms, or brewpubs. Persons under 21 are not allowed into any off-premise licensed venues.

Florida

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Florida. State law prohibits on-premise and off-premise sales between 1 am and 7 am, unless the county decides to change the operating hours. For example, Miami-Dade County liquor stores may operate 24 hours a day. Beer, wine, and low-alcohol liquors can be purchased at grocery stores. Spirits above 76.5% ABV are illegal.

Georgia

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Georgia. Hours of sale are determined by the county. Beer with ABV above 14% is illegal. No Sunday off-premise sales are permitted. Certain areas allow public consumption, but with limitations: one drink on the street, size no more than 16 ounces, and drinking from a can, bottle, or glass is prohibited.

Hawaii

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Hawaii. On-premise sales are allowed from 11:50 am to 6 am with the proper cabaret licensing. Off-premise sales are permitted from 11:50 am to 12 am. Spirits, beer, and wine can be sold in grocery stores.

Idaho

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Idaho. On-premise sales are allowed from 10 am to 1 am. Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores. Beverages exceeding 16% ABV can only be sold in state dispensaries or contracted stores.

Illinois

Alcohol sales are not state-controlled in Illinois. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 4 am. All beverages can be sold in grocery stores. All sales laws are up to local municipalities. Sunday sales are not allowed until 11 am.

Indiana

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Indiana. On-premise sales are permitted from 7 am to 3 am Monday through Saturday and 10:30 am to 12:30 am on Sunday. Off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 3 am, and no off-premise sales are allowed on Sundays. No sales are permitted on Christmas, New Year's Day, or election day before the polls close. Alcohol can be sold in supermarkets.

Iowa

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Iowa. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 8 am to 2 am on Sunday. Grocery store alcohol sales are permitted. All beer above 6% ABV must be shipped from the state warehouse.

Kansas

The state does not control liquor distribution in Kansas, but it has some of the strictest laws in the nation. All alcohol was prohibited from 1881 to 1948, and on-premise sales were prohibited from 1881 to 1987. Sunday sales have only been allowed since 2005. In counties that allow on-premise sales, the hours are from 9 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 9 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 or 8 pm on Sundays. Only 3.2% ABV beer is available at grocery stores.

Kentucky

Alcohol sales are not state-controlled in Kentucky. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 4 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 6 am to 2 pm. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores. Local ordinances may override state laws. Only Louisville allows on-premise sales from 2 am to 4 am. As of 2005, Sunday sales are allowed but may be overruled locally. 53 counties are completely dry, where even possession is illegal. 16 counties have some cities that allow sales. Another 21 counties only allow specialty sales, such as wine from wineries. Only 5 counties around the major cities fully allow sales.

Louisiana

Alcohol sales are not state-controlled in Louisiana. There are no restrictions on on-premise or off-premise sales unless the municipality decides that on-premise sales must stop at 2 pm. Off-premise sales are allowed in grocery stores and all other licensed stores. These sales can be 24/7, and no municipality can challenge this. In New Orleans, you can drink alcohol in plastic cups in public, and if allowed by the bar, you can take your drinks from one bar to another. Many places allow the consumption of packaged beverages on the street, but it is up to the municipality. Most bars can be entered at 18, but you must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol.

Maine

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Maine. On-premise hours are 6 am to 1 am Monday through Saturday and 9 am to 1 am on Sunday. Beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores. Wine with ABV above 15.5% must be sold in state-contracted stores. Alcohol sales are not permitted after 1 am any day.

Maryland

Laws in Maryland vary by locality, and sales are not state-controlled. Some counties prohibit sales on Sunday, while others do not. Some places restrict alcohol heavily, but there are no completely dry counties. Some alcohol is allowed to be sold in grocery stores in some counties.

Massachusetts

Alcohol distribution is not state-controlled in Massachusetts. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 1 am (2 am in Boston). Off-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to 11 pm. On Sundays, sales on and off-premise start at noon. Cities have the authority to shorten these times. Some convenience stores are licensed to sell beer, but not grocery stores or gas stations. Happy hours are prohibited, and you can only purchase two drinks per individual on-premise.

Michigan

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Michigan. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am, and from noon to 2 am on Sundays. Any liquor can be sold at grocery stores and convenience stores, except for gas stations in Wayne County. Sales of liquor after 9 pm on December 24 and all of Christmas Day are prohibited. On-premise sales on January 1 are allowed until 4 am.

Minnesota

The state does not control alcohol sales in Minnesota. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to 10 pm. No off-sale is allowed on Sundays. Local ordinances can change off-sale hour allowances, and growler sales are allowed until 10 pm.

Mississippi

Spirit distribution is controlled by the state in Mississippi. Sales hours are fixed by local municipalities. Beer can be sold in grocery stores, but wine above 6% ABV can only be sold in state-controlled stores. Sales are prohibited on Christmas Day, but there is no open container law. You can get free alcohol 24/7 in the coastal casinos. In most counties, Sunday sales are prohibited, and there are even some dry counties.

Missouri

Missouri has very permissive alcohol laws. Alcohol sales are not state-controlled. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 1:30 am Monday through Saturday and 9 am to 12 am on Sunday. St. Louis and Kansas City, and a few other counties can operate from 6 am to 3 am daily. Off-premise sales are allowed during the same hours, including bars that are allowed to double as liquor stores in St. Louis and Kansas City, which can remain open until 3 am. There are no state open container laws, no blue laws, no public intoxication laws, and absinthe is not prohibited. There are no dry counties, and prohibiting off-premise sales is illegal. State laws preempt local laws. Grocery stores and gas stations can sell liquor with the only limitation being operating hours. Parents and guardians may give their children alcohol. There is no prohibition of consumption by minors, though purchase, possession, and intoxication by minors are illegal. Open containers are allowed on Kansas City's Power and Light District. You may manufacture up to 100 gallons of liquor for personal use without state permits or taxes.

Montana

Spirits are regulated by the state in Montana, but beer and wine may be sold in grocery stores as long as they are below 16% ABV. Above that, wine must be sold at state-controlled stores. On-premise sales are limited to 2 am.

Nebraska

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Nebraska. On and off-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 1 am, though you cannot purchase hard liquor on Sundays before noon. Omaha has repealed the Sunday hard alcohol law. All alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores.

Nevada

The state does not control alcohol distribution in Nevada, and there are very few laws except for age restrictions. Stores can be open 24 hours a day, and liquor can be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Public intoxication is legal, and making any local laws to change this is prohibited.

New Hampshire

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in New Hampshire. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 1 am, and off-premise sales are permitted until 11:45 pm. Beer can be sold in grocery stores, but there is a 12% ABV cap for beer sold anywhere in the state. Liquor is sold in state-run stores that are often located along highway rest areas.

New Jersey

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in New Jersey. Hours of sale are regulated by each municipality. Beer and wine can occasionally be sold in grocery stores. There are some dry counties, particularly in the southern part of the state.

New Mexico

Alcohol sales are not state-controlled in New Mexico. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales are permitted until midnight, except on Sundays, when no sales are permitted. Stores can apply for on-premise and off-premise licenses to allow for Sunday sales if their municipality allows it, but sales on Christmas are never permitted. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores. Parents, legal guardians, and adult spouses are allowed to give minors alcohol within private property under their control.

New York

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in New York. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 4 am. Off-premise, beer is always available except from 3 am to 8 am on Sundays. Wine and spirits are available from 9 am to midnight Monday through Saturday and noon to 9 pm on Sunday. Beer can only be sold in supermarkets, and wine and spirits can only be purchased at liquor stores.

North Carolina

Spirits are controlled by the state in North Carolina. On-premise sales are allowed at any time except from 2 am to 7 am Monday through Saturday and 2 am to noon on Sunday. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only state-run stores can sell liquor from 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday. There is a 15% ABV limit on beer.

North Dakota

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in North Dakota. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and noon to 2 am on Sunday. Off-premise sales appear to be allowed until 2 am. Sales are limited on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve.

Ohio

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Ohio. On-premise sales are allowed from 5:30 am to 2:30 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 5:30 am to 1 am. Grocery stores can sell all forms of alcohol. Though the state controls some sales, it licenses private businesses for a fee. There is a 12% ABV limit on beer.

Oklahoma

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Oklahoma. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 10 am to 9 pm. Only 3.2% beer can be sold in supermarkets, and any beer over 4% can only be sold at room temperature in liquor stores, which are closed on Sundays and some holidays. As of 2007, stores are open on election days.

Oregon

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Oregon. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2:30 am, and beer and wine can be sold at supermarkets. Liquor is only available at state-run liquor stores.

Pennsylvania

Wine and spirits sales are controlled by the state in Pennsylvania. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 11 am to 2 am on Sunday with a special permit. If non-alcohol sales are at least 30%, private clubs can sell until 3 am. Wine and spirits can only be purchased at state-run liquor stores, which operate from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sunday. Liquor permits for events appear to be complex and limited.

Rhode Island

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Rhode Island. On-premise sales are allowed until 2 am, and off-premise sales are permitted from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 pm on Sunday. Alcohol can only be sold in liquor stores.

South Carolina

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in South Carolina. On-premise sales hours are controlled locally and vary. Beer and low-alcohol wine can be sold 24 hours a day, and liquor can be sold from 9 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday at liquor stores. There is a 17.5% ABV cap on beer and 16% on wine. No liquor sales are allowed on election day.

South Dakota

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in South Dakota. Sales of alcohol are allowed in supermarkets. There is a 14% ABV limit on beer.

Tennessee

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Tennessee. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 3 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 3 am on Sunday. Off-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to 11 pm, except on Sundays. Beer can be sold in supermarkets, and interestingly, open container laws only apply to the driver of a vehicle, not their passengers.

Texas

Alcohol sales are not controlled by the state in Texas. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to midnight or 2 am. Beer can be sold off-premise from 7 am to midnight Monday through Friday, 7 am to 1 am on Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday. Hard liquor can be sold from 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets. Alcohol above 15.5% ABV requires additional licensing, and on-premise beverages sold on Sunday between 10 am and noon must be accompanied by food.

##

Some states restrict selling alcohol in local markets

Alcohol laws vary from state to state, and even county to county, in the US. Some states restrict the sale of alcohol in local markets on federal holidays, such as Memorial Day. For example, Alabama, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming are Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) states, meaning the state controls the sale and/or distribution of liquor. In these states, state-run liquor stores are typically closed on federal holidays, although there may be some exceptions in certain cities or counties. On the other hand, some states, like Pennsylvania, allow liquor stores to remain open on Memorial Day, albeit with shorter hours in some cases.

The situation can be more complicated in states that do not have state-controlled liquor stores. In these cases, it is up to the individual store owners to decide whether to open or close on Memorial Day. For example, in 2017, all liquor stores in Massachusetts were closed on Memorial Day, even though the state does not control liquor sales. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local liquor store to confirm their holiday hours.

It is worth noting that even in states with restrictive alcohol laws, there may be alternative options for purchasing alcohol on Memorial Day. Big-box stores, chain markets, and grocery stores are often open on federal holidays and may sell alcohol. Additionally, many chain restaurants with liquor licenses remain open on Memorial Day and can be a good option for restocking drinks.

Liquor stores may be closed on federal holidays

In the United States, individual state laws govern the availability of liquor and package stores on certain public holidays. There could be specific reasons for liquor store closings on holidays, or a store may choose to close to observe the day. If a liquor store is run by the state or federal government, it will likely be closed on federal holidays. Privately-owned liquor stores may also choose to close for the holiday or adjust their hours.

On Memorial Day, federal liquor stores will be closed, and most state and locally-controlled package stores will likely also be closed. However, you may find a privately-owned liquor store open, depending on your state and local laws. For example, in 2024, liquor stores in Alabama, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming were closed on Memorial Day, while stores in Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia were open.

Even if liquor stores are open on a federal holiday, their hours may be shorter, so it is always a good idea to call ahead and confirm the hours of your local liquor store.

Big box stores, chain markets, and grocery stores are mostly open on Memorial Day

If you're hosting a Memorial Day celebration, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of drinks on hand, including beer. While some liquor stores may be closed for the holiday, there are other options for purchasing beer.

The availability of beer and other alcoholic beverages can vary by state and county. For example, in 2017, all the liquor stores in Massachusetts were closed on Memorial Day, even though the state doesn't control liquor sales. On the other hand, some states with state-controlled liquor stores, like Pennsylvania, keep them open on Memorial Day. So, it's worth checking the specific rules and restrictions for your state and area.

If you're concerned about liquor stores or other options being closed, it's a good idea to stock up on beer and other drinks ahead of time. This way, you can ensure you have enough to keep the party going without having to worry about store hours.

Additionally, many chain restaurants with liquor licenses remain open on Memorial Day. So, if you find yourself running low on drinks, you can always move the party to a nearby restaurant to continue the festivities.

Chain restaurants with liquor licenses are also open on Memorial Day

If you're looking to buy beer or liquor on Memorial Day, your best bet is to check with chain restaurants that have liquor licenses. These restaurants are likely to be open on Memorial Day, providing a great option for those who want to continue the party with friends and family. While liquor stores may be closed, depending on the state, many chain restaurants will be serving up drinks alongside their food offerings.

In fact, many popular restaurant chains remain open on Memorial Day, providing a convenient alternative to firing up the grill and cooking for a crowd. These restaurants often have dedicated liquor programs and drink discounts, making them an attractive option for those looking to indulge. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check the restaurant's website, as some locations may have adjusted hours or choose to close for the holiday.

• Applebee's: Your local Neighborhood Grill + Bar will likely be open, and you can take advantage of their fan-favorite two-for-$25 meal deal.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: This sports bar chain is a great option if you're craving wings. They typically operate under normal hours on Memorial Day.
• Olive Garden: If you're craving Italian-American fare, Olive Garden has you covered. They only close on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day.
• Taco Bell: There are only a few days a year when Taco Bell isn't open, and Memorial Day isn't one of them. You can count on them for lunch, dinner, or a post-barbecue snack.
• Chick-fil-A: While Chick-fil-A locations close on Sundays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, they are open on Memorial Day. They even offer catering services for your Memorial Day gatherings.
• Cracker Barrel: If you're looking for some Southern comfort food, Cracker Barrel is a great option. They typically remain open on Memorial Day and offer family meal and catering options for summer holiday gatherings.

So, if you find yourself running low on drinks during your Memorial Day celebrations, don't fret! Head over to one of these chain restaurants, and you'll be able to enjoy a refreshing beverage alongside a delicious meal. Just remember to check their hours of operation before you go.

Frequently asked questions