Buying Beer On New Year's Day: What's The Deal?

New Year's Eve is a time for celebration, and for many, that includes drinking alcohol. But what if you run out before midnight? Or what if you want to continue the festivities on New Year's Day? The answer depends on where you live. In the United States, each state and territory has the power to regulate the sale of alcohol, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Generally, most conventional liquor stores in the US are open during their normal hours on New Year's Eve, and some even extend their hours to cater to the high demand. However, many liquor stores are closed on New Year's Day, so it's best to stock up in advance if you want to continue the party into the next day.

Beer availability in grocery stores

The availability of beer in grocery stores on New Year's Day varies depending on the state and local laws. In the United States, the Twenty-first Amendment grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction, resulting in varying laws regarding the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol.

Some states have specific restrictions on alcohol sales on New Year's Day. For example, in Texas, liquor sales are prohibited on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Similarly, certain counties in California may prohibit the sale of alcohol on New Year's Day. On the other hand, states like New York allow beer and liquor sales from 8 am to midnight on New Year's Day.

It is important to note that some states have different regulations for on-premise and off-premise sales. For instance, in Indiana, on-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 3 am (Monday to Saturday) and 10:30 am to 12:30 am on Sundays, while off-premise sales are prohibited on Sundays.

Additionally, a few states have unique laws regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages in grocery stores. For example, in California, beer, wine, and spirits can be sold in grocery stores, while in Texas, beer and wine can be purchased in these stores, but not hard liquor.

Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific laws of your state and local jurisdiction to determine the availability of beer in grocery stores on New Year's Day.

Liquor store timings on New Year's Day

The operating hours of liquor stores on New Year's Day vary depending on the state and local laws. In the United States, the Twenty-first Amendment grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction, resulting in varying laws regarding the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol.

Texas

In Texas, it is illegal to purchase liquor on New Year's Day, along with Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additionally, liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays, and if any of these holidays fall on a Sunday, liquor sales are banned the following Monday.

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Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, liquor stores are typically allowed to operate from 8 am to 11 pm. However, on New Year's Eve, they may extend their hours as it is one of their busiest days of the year.

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New York

In New York, you can generally purchase beer and liquor from 8 am to midnight. However, specific counties and cities may have their own regulations, so it is always a good idea to check with your local package store.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania liquor stores are required to close at 8 pm. State-controlled ABC stores will be closed on New Year's Day, but private liquor stores may have different operating hours.

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Other States

While some states, like Texas, prohibit liquor sales on New Year's Day, others may allow it with certain restrictions. For example, in Michigan, liquor stores are permitted to sell alcohol from 7 am to 2 am, and in Minnesota, the operating hours are typically 8 am to 2 am for on-premise sales and 8 am to 10 pm for off-premise sales. However, it is important to note that local ordinances can modify these hours, and some counties may have additional restrictions on New Year's Day.

In summary, the operating hours of liquor stores on New Year's Day vary by state and local regulations. It is always a good idea to check with your local liquor stores or refer to your state's alcohol laws for the most accurate information.

State-specific laws

In the United States, the Twenty-first Amendment 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: While beer and wine are not controlled by the state, there is a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and bottles cannot exceed 16 ounces. Twenty-six of Alabama's 67 counties do not allow alcohol to be sold, though possession and consumption remain legal.
• Alaska: No alcohol is state-controlled. Liquor sales are permitted from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Arizona: No alcohol is state-controlled. Liquor sales are permitted from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday. Drive-through liquor stores are legal.
• Arkansas: On-premise sale is complicated and varies between types of establishments. Off-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday, but only until midnight on Saturdays. There are many dry counties, but private clubs are exempt from this. Sunday and Christmas Day sales are prohibited.
• California: Sales are not controlled by the state. Liquor sales are permitted from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Liquor, wine, and beer can be sold in grocery stores. California has lenient laws about liquor promotion, but counties can restrict sales with local laws.
• Colorado: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., and off-premise sales from 8 a.m. to midnight. Only 3.2% ABV beer can be sold in grocery stores. Liquor stores are only allowed to operate one location.
• Connecticut: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Saturday. Off-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but are prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Beer can be sold in grocery stores.
• Delaware: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Off-premise sales outside of licensed liquor stores, taprooms, or brewpubs are prohibited.
• Florida: Sales are not controlled by the state. Liquor sales are prohibited from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m., unless the county decides to change the operating hours. Liquor stores in Miami-Dade County may operate 24 hours a day. Beer, wine, and low-alcohol liquors can be purchased at grocery stores. Spirits greater than 76.5% ABV are illegal.
• Georgia: Sales are not controlled by the state, and hours of sale are determined by the county. Beer with ABV above 14% is illegal. No Sunday off-premise sales are allowed. Public consumption is allowed in certain areas, but with limitations: only one drink is permitted on the street, and it must be in a container of no more than 16 ounces.
• Hawaii: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 11:50 a.m. to 6 a.m. with the proper cabaret licensing. Off-premise sales are allowed from 11:50 a.m. to 12 a.m. Spirits, beer, and wine can be sold in grocery stores.
• Idaho: Spirit sales are controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores. Beverages exceeding 16% ABV can only be sold in state dispensaries or contracted stores.
• Illinois: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. All beverages can be sold in grocery stores. Sales laws are determined by local municipalities. Sunday sales are not allowed until 11 a.m.
• Indiana: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Sunday. Off-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday, but are prohibited on Sundays. No sales are allowed on Christmas, New Year's Day, or election day before polls close. Alcohol can be sold in supermarkets.
• Iowa: Spirit sales are controlled by the state. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday. Grocery store alcohol sales are permitted. All beer greater than 6% ABV must be shipped from the state warehouse.
• Kansas: The state does not control liquor distribution, but it has some of the strictest laws in the nation. Sunday sales have only been allowed since 2005. In counties that allow on-premise sales, it is permitted from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Off-premise sales are allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 7 or 8 p.m. on Sunday. Only 3.2% ABV beer is available at grocery stores. Sales are prohibited on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
• Kentucky: Sale is not state-controlled. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m., and off-premise sales from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores. Local ordinances are subject to local laws, and only Louisville allows on-premise sales from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. Fifty-three counties are completely dry, where even possession is illegal. Sixteen counties have some cities that allow sales, and another 21 counties only allow specialty sales such as wine from wineries. Only five counties around the major cities fully allow sales.
• Louisiana: Sale is not state-controlled. There are no restrictions on on-premise or off-premise sales unless the municipality decides that on-premise sales must stop at 2 p.m. Off-premise sales are allowed in grocery stores and all other licensed stores, and these sales can be 24/7. In New Orleans, you can drink alcohol in plastic cups in public, and if allowed by the bar, 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. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. 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 a.m. any day.
• Maryland: Laws 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 certain counties.
• Massachusetts: Distribution is not state-controlled. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. (2 a.m. in Boston). Off-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 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 only two drinks per individual can be purchased at one time on-premise.
• Michigan: Spirit sales are controlled by the state. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., and noon to 2 a.m. 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 p.m. on December 24 and all of Christmas Day are prohibited. On-premise sales on January 1 are allowed until 4 a.m.
• Minnesota: The state does not control sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Off-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and there are no off-sales on Sunday. Local ordinances can change off-sale hour allowances, and growler sales are allowed until 10 p.m.
• Mississippi: Spirit distribution is controlled by the state. Sale 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. Free alcohol is available in the 24/7 coastal casinos. In most counties, Sunday sales are prohibited, and there are some dry counties.
• Missouri: Alcohol is not state-controlled. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sunday. St. Louis and Kansas City, and a few other counties, can operate from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily. Off-premise sales are allowed during the same times, including bars that are allowed to double as liquor stores in St. Louis and Kansas City, which can remain open until 3 a.m. There are no state open container laws, no blue laws, and no public intoxication laws. 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 container laws only apply to the driver of a vehicle, not their passengers. You may manufacture up to 100 gallons of liquor for personal use without state permits or taxes.
• Montana: Spirit sales are regulated by the state, but beer and wine may be sold at grocery stores as long as they are under 16% ABV. Above that, wine must be sold at state-controlled stores. On-premise sales are limited to 2 a.m.
• Nebraska: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., though you cannot purchase hard liquor on Sunday before noon. Omaha has repealed the Sunday hard alcohol law. All alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores.
• Nevada: The state does not control distribution, 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 local laws cannot be created to change this.
• New Hampshire: Spirit sales are controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and off-premise sales until 11:45 p.m. 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 can be located along highway rest areas.
• New Jersey: Sales are not controlled by the state. 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: Sales are not state-controlled. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., and off-premise sales 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: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. Off-premise, beer is always available except from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Sundays, and wine and spirits are available from 9 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Beer can only be sold in supermarkets, and wine and spirits can only be purchased at liquor stores.
• North Carolina: Spirit sales are controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed at any time except from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 2 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only state-run stores can sell liquor, with hours of operation from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There is a 15% ABV limit on beer.
• North Dakota: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday. Off-premise sales appear to be allowed until 2 a.m. Sales are limited on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve.
• Ohio: Spirit sales are controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., and off-premise sales from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Grocery stores can sell all forms of alcohol. There is a 12% ABV limit on beer.
• Oklahoma: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., and off-premise sales from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 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.
• Oregon: Spirit sales are controlled by the state. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. 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. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday with a special permit. Wine and spirits can only be purchased at state-run liquor stores, which operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Liquor permits for events appear to be complex and limited.
• Rhode Island: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed until 2 a.m. Off-premise sales are allowed from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Alcohol can only be sold in liquor stores.
• South Carolina: Sales are not controlled by the state. 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 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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: Sales are not controlled by the state. Alcohol sales are allowed in supermarkets. There is a 14% ABV limit on beer.
• Tennessee: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday. Off-premise sales are allowed from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on Sundays. Beer can be sold in supermarkets, and open container laws only apply to the driver of a vehicle, not their passengers.
• Texas: Sales are not controlled by the state. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to midnight or 2 a.m. Beer can be sold off-premise from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday. Hard liquor can be sold from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 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 a.m. and noon must be accompanied by food.
• Utah: Sale is controlled by the state. On-premise

Legal drinking age

The ability to purchase alcohol on New Year's Day depends on the state and local laws of your location. While there are no state-wide laws forbidding liquor sales on New Year's Day, certain counties and parishes may prohibit the sale of alcohol on this day. For example, in Texas, it is illegal to purchase liquor on New Year's Day.

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21 years. This means that alcohol cannot be sold to people younger than 21. Before the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, the legal drinking age could differ by state. The act requires all states and territories to have a minimum purchasing age of 21 or lose ten percent of their federal highway funding. The act does not apply to the age of alcohol consumption, meaning states may allow alcohol consumption by those under 21 years of age without penalty.

The majority of countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 18. The most commonly known reason for the law behind the legal drinking age is the effect on the brain in adolescents. Since the brain is still maturing, alcohol can have a negative effect on the memory and long-term thinking. Alongside that, it can cause liver failure and create a hormone imbalance in teens due to the constant changes and maturing of hormones during puberty. Some countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 19 to prevent the flow of alcoholic beverages in high schools, while others have a minimum legal purchasing age of 21 to reduce drunk driving rates among teenagers and young adults.

Online liquor sales

The ability to purchase alcohol online on New Year's Day depends on the regulations of your state or country. While there are no state-wide laws prohibiting liquor sales on New Year's Day in the United States, certain states and counties may have specific ordinances or restrictions.

In Texas, for example, it is illegal to purchase liquor on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day. Additionally, liquor sales are prohibited on Sundays, and if any of these holidays fall on a Sunday, sales are also banned the following Monday. Other states with similar restrictions include Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

On the other hand, some states like Colorado have more relaxed laws, allowing grocery stores to sell full-strength wine and beer. However, it's important to note that takeaway alcohol sales are still banned on Christmas Day in Colorado.

To ensure you don't run into any issues, it's always a good idea to check the specific laws and regulations for your state or country. Additionally, giving your local liquor store a call before heading over can save you time and disappointment.

Frequently asked questions