Tupelo's Sunday Beer Buying: What's The Deal?

Alcohol laws vary across the US, and Mississippi is no exception. In fact, Mississippi has some of the most convoluted alcohol laws in the country. So, can you buy beer on a Sunday in Tupelo, Mississippi?

The answer is yes, you can. In July 2024, the Tupelo City Council voted to lift a century-old ban on Sunday alcohol sales. This means that beer and light wine can be sold from 1-10 pm at restaurants and stores in the city. However, it's important to note that these hours are subject to change by the local government, and there may be other restrictions in place. For example, Mississippi law states that on-premise beer sales are limited to 7 am until midnight, and off-premise alcohol sales are legal between 10 am and 10 pm.

Tupelo allows Sunday alcohol sales from 1-10 pm at restaurants and stores

In Tupelo, Mississippi, you can now buy beer and light wine on Sundays from 1 pm to 10 pm at restaurants and stores. This decision was made by the City Council in July 2024, lifting a century-old ban on Sunday alcohol sales. The new rule applies to all alcoholic beverages in restaurants and beer and light wine in other businesses, such as grocery and convenience stores.

The change in alcohol sales hours was proposed by Mayor Todd Jordan, following several requests from local business owners. The council's vote was controversial, with a final decision of 4-3 in favour of the extension. The new hours for alcohol sales in restaurants are from 10 am to 1 am every day. Previously, alcohol could only be served from 10 am to midnight on weekdays and 1 pm to 10 pm on Sundays.

The Mississippi Department of Revenue must formally approve the change for liquor and wine before it can take effect. However, the sale of beer and light wine can begin 30 days after the council vote.

Bars and restaurants in Mississippi can sell beer, wine, and liquor between 7 am and 2 am

In Mississippi, bars and restaurants can sell beer, wine, and liquor between 7 am and 2 am. However, it's important to note that these hours are subject to change by the local government, so they may vary across the state. Additionally, some areas have no required closing times for bars, allowing them to stay open much later.

The sale of alcohol in Mississippi is regulated differently for on-premise and off-premise consumption. On-premise sales refer to when alcohol is consumed at the place of purchase, such as in bars and restaurants. Off-premise sales refer to when alcohol is purchased and taken elsewhere for consumption.

For on-premise sales, beer can be sold from 7 am to midnight, 7 days a week. Meanwhile, wine and liquor can be sold from 10 am to midnight, Monday through Saturday. On New Year's Eve, these hours may be extended until 1 am on New Year's Day.

For off-premise sales, beer can be sold 24/7, while wine and liquor can be sold between 10 am and 10 pm, Monday through Saturday. Alcohol sales at liquor stores are not permitted on Sundays.

In Tupelo, Mississippi, the sale of alcohol on Sundays was approved by the City Council, allowing the sale of beer and light wine from 1 pm to 10 pm at restaurants and stores. This decision lifted a century-old ban on Sunday alcohol sales in the city.

Alcohol sales at liquor stores are not allowed on Sundays

Alcohol sales laws in Mississippi are complex and vary across the state. While beer and light wine can be purchased 24/7 from gas stations and grocery stores in most areas, this is not the case for liquor and other alcoholic beverages.

In Mississippi, liquor stores are not permitted to sell alcohol on Sundays. Package stores (off-premises sales) are only allowed to operate from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. They are prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays and Christmas Day. On-premises sales of alcoholic beverages are permitted from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday.

While Mississippi is not a dry state, it does allow counties to vote on whether they will allow the sale of alcohol. Some counties in Mississippi are completely dry, while others are partially dry, only permitting the sale of beer and light wine, or alcoholic beverages.

In Tupelo, Mississippi, the sale of alcoholic beverages was previously banned on Sundays but this century-old prohibition was lifted in July 2024. The City Council voted to allow the sale of beer and light wine from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at restaurants and stores on Sundays. This decision was made following requests from local business owners and took effect 30 days after the vote.

Mississippi has some of the most convoluted alcohol laws in the country

Mississippi has some of the most convoluted alcohol laws in the US. While it is not a dry state, Mississippi allows its counties to vote on whether they are wet or dry.

Of its 82 counties, 23 are fully dry, including Chickasaw 1st District. There are also counties that are partially dry, meaning they may be dry for just beer/light wine or alcoholic beverages.

In Mississippi, you can buy beer for off-premise consumption 24/7. On-premise beer sales are limited to 7 am until midnight. Off-premise alcohol sales are legal between 10 am and 10 pm. On-premise alcohol sales are legal from 10 am until midnight. Alcohol sales at liquor stores are not allowed on Sundays.

However, these hours can be changed by the local government and are different across the state. If a locality extends the hours for alcohol, then the hours for beer and light wine are also extended. Some areas allow all alcohol sales 24/7.

Sunday alcohol sales depend on where you are in Mississippi. You can buy beer on Sunday in most places, but some areas of the state do not allow liquor or full-strength wine to be sold on Sundays. These include Columbia, Plantersville, and Shannon.

Bars in Mississippi generally close at 2 am, but in some areas, they may close as early as midnight. Some areas have no required closing times for bars.

You can buy beer in Mississippi from bars and restaurants, breweries and taprooms, gas stations, and grocery stores. Each of these locations has its own rules and regulations.

Bars and restaurants in Mississippi can sell beer, wine, and liquor between 7 am and 2 am, depending on the county. Alcohol sales must be for on-premise consumption, with the exception of deliveries.

Mississippi gas stations can sell beer and light wine 24/7, depending on the county. All beer and wine must be in their original packaging and for off-premise consumption.

Grocery stores in Mississippi can sell beer and light wine 24/7, depending on the county. If the grocery store has a separate entrance, they may sell full-strength wine and liquor in the adjacent building. All sales must be for off-premise consumption and in their original packaging.

Mississippi breweries can sell beer 24/7, depending on the county. Beer can be sold for on and off-premise consumption. Breweries can sell and fill growlers.

Alcohol delivery is legal in Mississippi, but there are a few restrictions. These include checking customer proof of age upon delivery, limiting deliveries to the type of alcohol the retailer's license covers, and not delivering to locations further than 30 miles from the retailer.

The minimum drinking age in Mississippi is 21, but there are some exceptions. Minors between 18 and 20 can drink beer with the permission of their parent or legal guardian.

Mississippi is a control state, meaning that the state is the only wholesaler of wine and liquor. Liquor stores in Mississippi can only sell full-strength wine and spirits. Beer and weak wine are only available at other retailers.

Another oddity of Mississippi's alcohol laws is the state's definition of alcoholic beverages. Hard liquor and wine above 5% alcohol by weight are alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine below that threshold are not. Additionally, beer is capped at 8% alcohol by weight.

The minimum drinking age in Mississippi is 21

In the state of Mississippi, the legal drinking age for beer and/or alcohol is 21 years of age. This means that a person must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages within the state. This law applies to both residents and visitors to Mississippi, and it is strictly enforced.

There are a few exceptions to the minimum drinking age of 21 in Mississippi. For example, a person who is 18-21 years old may consume beer in the presence of their parent or legal guardian, with their consent. It is important to note that this exception applies only to beer and not to hard liquor or wine products that contain more than 5% alcohol by weight. Additionally, individuals who are at least 18 years old and serving in the U.S. military are permitted to possess and consume beer on military property where it is allowed.

The laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol in Mississippi are regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). These laws include restrictions on the days and hours of sale, the locations where alcohol can be sold, and the minimum age requirements for both customers and servers. For example, beer may be sold for off-premises consumption 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but sales on Sundays may be restricted by local ordinance. On-premises sales of beer are typically permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week, but these hours can be further restricted by municipal or county governments.

In addition to the legal drinking age, Mississippi has strict laws regarding false identification and underage drinking. It is a criminal offense for minors to use a false ID to purchase or consume alcohol, and those convicted may face fines and community service. The state also has programs in place, such as "Cops in Shops," to detect and prosecute underage persons attempting to purchase alcohol.

The minimum drinking age in Mississippi is an important aspect of the state's alcohol laws and is enforced to promote responsible drinking and public safety.

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