Arizona's Sunday Beer Buying Laws: What's Allowed?

Arizona's liquor laws have evolved over the years, and currently, the state does allow the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages on Sundays. Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in Arizona can sell beer and other alcoholic drinks every day, including Sundays, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. However, customers must stop drinking by 2:30 a.m., and it is illegal for them to possess an open container of alcohol between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Arizona's blue law

Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, are laws that restrict or ban some or all activities on specified days, most commonly Sundays. They are in place in parts of the United States, Canada, and some European countries, and are often linked to religious observance of a day of rest. While blue laws may seem unconstitutional due to their religious basis, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled them constitutional, citing secular reasons such as protecting workers and families, and guaranteeing the free exercise of religion.

In the United States, blue laws vary by state, and different counties within states may have their own blue laws. For example, in Arizona, there are no dry counties as the state does not grant its counties the power to change their status to dry. However, in Arkansas, 39 out of 76 counties are "dry", meaning they prohibit the sale of alcohol.

While blue laws were once common throughout the United States, they are now slowly fading. Tempe, Arizona, provides an interesting example of the history of blue laws. In April 1916, the City Council of Tempe passed a law suspending most commerce on Sundays, including the operation of butcher shops, grocery stores, and mercantile houses. This law proved controversial, especially among local businesses, and was repealed just a few months later.

On-site vs off-site drinking

Arizona's liquor laws allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol both on-site and off-site, with some specific regulations in place. Here is an overview of the rules for on-site and off-site drinking in the state of Arizona:

On-Site Drinking

On-site drinking refers to consuming alcohol at establishments such as bars, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and events. In Arizona, the sale and consumption of alcohol on-site are permitted during specific hours, which are typically from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day, including Sundays. This means that alcohol can be purchased and consumed at these locations during those designated hours. However, it is important to note that there are some restrictions in place:

• Customers must stop drinking by 2:30 a.m. and are not allowed to possess open containers between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Establishments must have a valid liquor license to serve alcohol. The state awards liquor licenses through a lottery system.
• Bartenders must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol.
• Minors under 21 years of age are allowed in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, but they must be accompanied by a spouse, parent, or legal guardian who is of legal drinking age. On-duty employees under 21 are also permitted to be in these establishments.
• It is illegal to conduct drinking contests, offer unlimited drinks for a fixed price, or serve more than 50 ounces of beer, one liter of wine, or four ounces of spirits to a single person at one time.
• Visibly intoxicated individuals are not permitted to purchase or consume alcohol in licensed establishments.

Off-Site Drinking

Off-site drinking refers to purchasing alcohol from stores, such as grocery stores, liquor stores, and convenience stores, for consumption elsewhere. Arizona has specific regulations in place for off-site drinking:

• Alcohol can be sold for off-site consumption during the same hours as on-site consumption, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day.
• Stores selling alcohol for off-site consumption must have an off-premises liquor license.
• Persons aged 19 or older can serve alcohol or tend bar at establishments that offer on-site drinking.
• Individuals aged 16 or older are permitted to sell alcohol in stores for off-site consumption, as long as they are supervised by someone who is at least 19 years old.
• Drive-through liquor stores are permitted in Arizona.
• Bars and restaurants can sell closed containers of alcohol for off-premises consumption.

It is important to note that Arizona has strict laws regarding the consumption of alcohol in public places, and drinking in public is prohibited. Additionally, the legal drinking age in Arizona is 21, and it is illegal for those under 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, with some exceptions for religious services.

Drinking laws for under 21s

Arizona has strict laws regarding drinking for under 21s. The legal drinking age in Arizona is 21, and there are exceptions only for alcohol consumption for legitimate medicinal or religious purposes.

Underage drinkers in Arizona can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Minor In Possession (MIP). If you are underage and drinking, you do not need to be impaired to be charged with a DUI. If you have even as little as a 0.01 BAC, you can be charged. You don't even need to be driving your vehicle. If you are stationary but in control of the vehicle and in the driver's seat, you can still be charged.

A minor in possession of alcohol is also considered a crime. If you are underage and caught holding an alcoholic drink, an officer doesn't even need to prove that you were drinking. It also doesn't matter if the drink is unopened; you can still be charged with an MIP.

Underage drinkers charged with a DUI could face:

• Up to six months in a juvenile detention facility
• A fine of up to $2,500
• A two-year suspension of driving privileges
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (a mandatory breathalyser) on their vehicle
• Mandatory alcohol treatment program attendance

Underage drinkers charged with an MIP could face:

• Up to six months in a juvenile detention facility
• A fine of up to $2,500
• A driver's license suspension of up to 180 days

In addition, minors cannot be present at establishments that serve alcohol unless they are employed there or accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse of legal drinking age. However, they still cannot possess or drink alcoholic beverages.

Arizona's DUI laws

The consequences for a DUI conviction in Arizona are serious, even for a first-time offence. A first offence will result in a minimum of 10 days in jail, a minimum fine of $1,250, mandatory alcohol screening and education, the installation of a certified ignition interlock device, and community service. The penalties increase for second and subsequent offences, with a minimum of 90 days in jail, a minimum fine of $3,000, and a 12-month revocation of the driver's license, in addition to the other penalties.

Refusing to submit to a blood or breath test in Arizona will result in the suspension of driving privileges for one year for a first offence, and two years for a second refusal within 84 months.

Overall, Arizona takes a very strict approach to DUIs, referring to the act as a "violent crime", and the state's penalties are considered harsh when compared to other states.

Alcohol-licensed business hours

Alcohol-licensed businesses in Arizona can serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week, including Sundays and election days. However, they must stop serving by 2:30 a.m. and cannot allow drinking after that time. Customers with open containers must leave the premises by 2:30 a.m., and no alcohol can be sold between 2:00 a.m. and 6 a.m.

These hours apply to bars, restaurants, wineries, breweries, events, and liquor, beer, and wine vendors. Arizona grocery stores, gas stations, and breweries can also sell alcohol during these hours.

The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control regulates the sale of alcohol in the state, and liquor licenses are awarded via a lottery system. It is illegal to buy, sell, or deal in spirituous liquors without a proper license issued by the state.

Frequently asked questions