Georgia's Sunday Beer Buying Laws Explained

Alcohol sales laws in Georgia are complex and vary depending on the county and the type of retailer. While Georgia is not a dry state, it does have dry counties where the sale of alcohol is restricted or prohibited. In most of Georgia, beer can be purchased on Sundays, but the hours vary depending on the type of retailer and local regulations.

Beer can be purchased on Sundays in most of Georgia

Georgia's alcohol laws can be confusing, as local jurisdictions are allowed to set their own, more restrictive rules. However, it is indeed possible to buy beer on a Sunday in most of the state.

In 2011, cities and counties across Georgia voted on whether to continue the ban on Sunday liquor sales, and 105 out of 127 communities ended the ban. This means that, in most of Georgia, customers can visit a licensed package store or other retail location and buy alcohol on Sunday from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm or 11:45 pm.

However, it's important to note that there are still some counties in Georgia that do not allow the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays at all. These are known as "dry counties," and include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, and White counties. Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption but allow off-site consumption, and Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but allows alcohol service in bars and restaurants.

Additionally, the laws for on-premise consumption vary by county and even city. Some cities have enacted a brunch bill that allows bars and restaurants to serve alcohol starting at 11 am on Sundays.

So, while beer can be purchased on Sundays in most of Georgia, it's always a good idea to check the local laws in your specific county or city to avoid any confusion or disappointment.

Georgia state laws allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Georgia's alcohol laws can be confusing, as the state allows local jurisdictions to set their own more restrictive rules. However, the state does set the earliest and latest sales times for alcohol.

Monday to Saturday

From Monday to Saturday, alcohol sales in Georgia can begin no earlier than 8 a.m. and must end by 11:45 p.m. for gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, breweries, and taprooms.

Sundays

Georgia state laws allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for off-premises retailers, such as grocery stores, liquor stores, and breweries. This means that you can purchase alcohol from these retailers during this time frame on Sundays.

On-Premise Consumption

Bars and restaurants have slightly different rules. While they must also adhere to the Sunday alcohol sales timeframe, some jurisdictions have enacted a \"brunch law\" that allows them to begin serving alcohol as early as 11 a.m. on Sundays.

Dry Counties

It is important to note that there are some "dry counties" in Georgia, such as Coweta, Dodge, Franklin, Decatur, and Murray, where retail liquor sales are not allowed at all. In these counties, alcohol cannot be purchased on Sundays or any other day of the week.

City of Atlanta

As of 2023, the city of Atlanta has extended its Sunday alcohol sales hours, allowing the purchase of alcoholic beverages from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Takeaway

In summary, while Georgia state laws permit alcohol sales on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., it is always a good idea to check the specific rules and regulations of your local jurisdiction, as they may have more restrictive laws in place.

Counties in Georgia can prohibit Sunday alcohol sales

Georgia has a complex landscape of alcohol laws, with individual counties and cities creating their own rules and regulations. While the state government regulates alcohol sales, individual counties are allowed to set the days and time frames for sales.

In 2011, Georgia voted to end the ban on Sunday liquor sales, and currently, customers can buy alcohol on Sundays from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm in licensed package stores and other retail locations. However, some counties in Georgia, known as "dry counties," prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays at any time. These dry counties include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, and Union Counties. White County is also dry, but the city of Helen allows alcohol sales. Butts and Decatur Counties prohibit on-site alcohol sales but permit off-site sales. Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but allows alcohol service in bars and restaurants.

On-premise sales laws vary by county and city, with some cities enacting a "brunch bill" that allows bars and restaurants to sell alcohol starting at 11 am on Sundays. Counties can also restrict alcohol sales on certain holidays, such as Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.

The varying alcohol laws in Georgia can be confusing, and it is essential to be aware of the local regulations in each county and city. While the state has made progress in recent years to relax some restrictions, there are still counties that prohibit Sunday alcohol sales, highlighting the local control over alcohol regulations in the state.

Some counties do not allow alcohol sales at any time on Sundays

Georgia's alcohol laws can be confusing, as they vary by jurisdiction. While the state government sets the earliest and latest sales times, local jurisdictions can set more restrictive rules. This means that the answer to the question of whether you can buy beer on a Sunday in Georgia is: it depends.

Some counties in Georgia do not allow alcohol sales at any time on Sundays. These are known as "dry counties", and as of 2023, they include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, and White counties. Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption but allow sales for off-site consumption. Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but permits alcohol service in bars and restaurants.

In the counties that do allow Sunday alcohol sales, the hours are typically restricted. Statewide, alcohol sales on Sundays are restricted to between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. However, some cities and counties have enacted a "brunch bill" that allows bars and restaurants to serve alcohol starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays. In 2022, the city of Atlanta passed a measure allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages from 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that some gas stations and grocery stores are licensed to sell beer and wine extremely late or even 24 hours a day.

In Atlanta, beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased from 11 am to midnight on Sundays

In Atlanta, Georgia, beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased from 11 am to midnight on Sundays. This is thanks to a measure passed by voters on election day in 2022, which came into effect in 2023. The measure was passed with 82% of voters in agreement.

This is a more relaxed approach than the previous law, which stated that alcoholic beverages could only be purchased between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm on Sundays. The new measure brings the law for off-premise consumption on Sundays in line with the hours for the rest of the week, which are 8 am to 11:45 pm for retailers, and 9 am to 2 am for bars and restaurants.

The change in the law is good news for those who like to shop for groceries on a Sunday morning, or who want to enjoy a boozy brunch. However, it is worth noting that the law does not apply to all counties in Georgia. There are several dry counties in the state, which do not allow the sale of alcohol at all. In addition, some counties may have more restrictive laws than the state-level legislation.

Frequently asked questions