Buying Beer On Thanksgiving In Minnesota: What's The Deal?

Alcohol sales laws vary from state to state in the US, with some states allowing liquor stores to be open on Thanksgiving, while others do not. Minnesota is one of the states that does not permit off-premise alcohol sales on Thanksgiving. Grocery stores in Minnesota can only sell beer with less than 3.2% ABV, while wine and distilled spirits are sold at municipal liquor stores. On Thanksgiving, liquor stores in Minnesota are closed, but some privately-owned businesses may be open.

Minnesota's alcohol laws on Thanksgiving

Minnesota is not a dry state, and it does not have any dry counties. However, the sale of alcohol is banned on Thanksgiving. Alcohol sales are also prohibited after 8 pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas Day.

On other days of the year, Minnesota has a handful of restrictions on when and where to buy beer. Minnesota counties reserve the right to enforce stricter alcohol sales and consumption laws than those in place at the state level. No gas stations or grocery stores in the state can sell beer greater than 3.2% ABV. Grocery stores in Minnesota can sell beer if it's 3.2% ABV or lower. They can sell beer from 8 am to 10 pm every day except Sundays unless they purchase a Sunday sale permit, in which case they can sell beer during the same times.

Liquor stores in Minnesota are the only place where you can buy beer for off-premise consumption above 3.2% ABV. They are open from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday. They can only open on Sundays if they have a Sunday sales permit, in which case they're legally allowed to open between 11 am and 6 pm.

Bars and restaurants in Minnesota can sell beer from 8 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday. With a Sunday sales permit, they can sell beer from 8 am to 2 am on Sundays.

The legal drinking age in Minnesota is 21 years old. You must be 18 years old or older to sell or serve alcohol in the state.

Where to buy beer in Minnesota on Thanksgiving

If you're in Minnesota and you've realised on Thanksgiving Day that you forgot to buy beer, don't panic! While liquor stores in Minnesota are closed on Thanksgiving, you may still be able to buy beer from other retailers.

Firstly, it's important to note that Minnesota has a myriad of laws surrounding alcohol sales, and some counties enforce stricter alcohol sales laws than others. For example, no off-premise sales are allowed on Thanksgiving, and grocery stores can only sell beer with less than 3.2% ABV.

With that in mind, here are some places you may be able to buy beer in Minnesota on Thanksgiving:

Gas Stations

Gas stations in Minnesota are only allowed to sell beer with 3.2% ABV or lower. However, they can sell this low-ABV beer from open to close, and many are open 24/7. So, if it's not too late in the day, you may be able to grab some beer from your local gas station.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in Minnesota can sell beer, but only with a maximum of 3.2% ABV. They are usually open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Sundays, unless they have a Sunday sales permit. So, if you're looking for beer on Thanksgiving, be sure to head to the grocery store before 10 p.m.

Bars and Restaurants

In Minnesota, bars and restaurants are typically open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. if they have a Sunday sales permit. They can sell beer on tap and in cans or bottles. However, please note that bars connected to restaurants cannot sell beer or alcohol with a Sunday permit. So, if you're looking to buy beer from a bar or restaurant on Thanksgiving, be sure to check if they have the necessary permit.

Breweries and Taprooms

Breweries and taprooms in Minnesota usually open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, although most close by 11 p.m. They are permitted to sell beer on draft, in growlers, and in cans and bottles. Sunday sales are allowed without a permit, so this may be an option for buying beer on Thanksgiving.

Please note that the above information is based on Minnesota's alcohol laws as of 2023. While these laws are likely still in effect, there may have been recent changes. It is always a good idea to call ahead to check the hours of the specific store or establishment you plan to visit.

Alcohol sales in Minnesota's gas stations

In Minnesota, the sale of alcohol is highly regulated, and the state adheres to a three-tier distribution system. This means that manufacturers and suppliers at the lowest tier sell their products to wholesalers or importers, who then sell to distributors, and finally, the distributors sell to retailers who sell to consumers. This system applies to all alcohol sales in the state.

The state also has specific laws regarding the sale of alcohol in grocery stores. Grocery stores in Minnesota are only allowed to sell beer with an ABV of less than 3.2%Wine and distilled spirits are not available in grocery stores and can only be purchased at municipal liquor stores. These municipal liquor stores are the only places, other than bars and restaurants, where Minnesotans can buy wine and spirits.

The hours for purchasing alcohol in Minnesota vary depending on the day of the week and the type of alcohol being sold. Off-premise alcohol sales are allowed from 8 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays. On-premise alcohol sales, such as at bars and restaurants, are permitted seven days a week from 8 AM to 2 AM. However, it's important to note that off-premise alcohol sales are banned on certain holidays, such as Thanksgiving, after 8 PM on Christmas Eve, and all day on Christmas Day.

Minnesota also has strict laws regarding open containers and driving under the influence. The state bans open containers in vehicles, and any open bottles of alcohol must be transported in the vehicle's trunk. Additionally, Minnesota has a "per se intoxicated" rule, which means that anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% can be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI).

Alcohol sales in Minnesota's grocery stores

Alcohol sales in Minnesota are subject to a variety of laws and regulations. Here is a detailed overview of alcohol sales in Minnesota's grocery stores:

Minnesota is not a dry state, and it does not have any dry counties. However, alcohol sales and consumption laws vary across the state, with some counties enforcing stricter regulations. Minnesota's alcohol laws apply to liquor, wine, and beer, with a few exceptions.

In terms of grocery stores, Minnesota has one of the most restrictive policies in the country. Grocery stores in Minnesota are only allowed to sell beer, and it must be 3.2% ABV or lower. This includes large retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS, which can only sell beer if they have obtained a state license. Grocery stores cannot sell wine or distilled spirits; those are only available at municipal liquor stores. Grocery stores can sell beer from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays if they have a Sunday sales permit.

Thanksgiving is one of the days when off-premise alcohol sales are banned in Minnesota, along with after 8 pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas Day. So, if you're planning to serve alcohol during Thanksgiving festivities, it's important to stock up in advance.

Minnesota also has specific regulations for other types of alcohol retailers. Liquor stores are the only places where beer above 3.2% ABV can be purchased for off-premise consumption. These stores are typically open from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday, and require a Sunday sales permit to operate on Sundays, when they can sell beer from 11 am to 6 pm. Bars and restaurants can sell beer, wine, and liquor, but only from 8 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays with a permit.

The state also has laws regarding open containers and driving. It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, and Minnesota has a "per se intoxicated" rule, with a blood-alcohol content limit of 0.08% for driving.

Minnesota's Sunday alcohol sales laws

Minnesota's alcohol laws are relatively strict, and Sunday sales are no exception. Here's a detailed overview of the Sunday alcohol sales laws in Minnesota:

Sunday Sales Times

In Minnesota, Sunday sales times for alcohol are different from weekdays. For off-premise consumption, alcohol sales are permitted on Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm. This includes retailers with a special license, such as grocery stores and liquor stores. On-premise consumption, such as in bars and restaurants, is allowed on Sundays from 8 am to 2 am, but only if the establishment has a Sunday sales permit.

Where to Buy Alcohol on Sundays

On Sundays, beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased from retailers with the appropriate licenses. Grocery stores in Minnesota can sell beer with up to 3.2% ABV, while wine and distilled spirits are only available at municipal liquor stores. Bars, restaurants, and clubs with a Sunday sales permit can serve alcohol on Sundays, but only until 2 am.

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day Restrictions

It's important to note that off-premise alcohol sales are banned on certain holidays. There are no off-premise sales allowed on Thanksgiving, after 8 pm on Christmas Eve, and all day on Christmas Day. So, while you can purchase alcohol for on-premise consumption at bars or restaurants with a permit on these days, you won't be able to buy alcohol from retailers for off-premise consumption.

Open Container Laws and DUI

Minnesota also has strict laws regarding open containers and driving under the influence. The state bans open containers in vehicles, and any open bottles of alcohol must be transported in the vehicle's trunk. The state also has a "per se intoxicated" rule, meaning anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% can be convicted of a DUI.

Direct-to-Consumer Shipping and Delivery

Minnesota allows the direct-to-consumer sale and delivery of all types of alcohol, including wine, beer, and distilled spirits. However, the buyer must provide adequate age verification. There are no laws prohibiting alcohol delivery by liquor stores, but they must abide by the general laws regarding the distribution, importation, and delivery of alcohol.

Minors and Alcohol

Minnesota allows minors to drink beer or other alcoholic beverages with their parent or legal guardian's permission in a private residence. However, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or attempt to buy beer, and the legal drinking age in Minnesota is 21 years old. The state also has a unique law where a person is not considered 21 until 8 am on their birthday, and they cannot purchase or consume alcohol until then.

Frequently asked questions