Vermont's Beer-To-Go Laws: Can You Buy Cans?

can you buy cans of beer to go in vermont

Vermont has a unique arrangement for the sale of alcohol. The state contracts with private retailers to sell alcohol, and beer and lower-alcohol wine are typically available in convenience and grocery stores. While retail stores can sell alcohol from 6 am to midnight, bars and restaurants may serve from 8 am to 2 am. Vermont is not a dry state, and you can buy beer in cans or bottles to go, as long as you are over 21 years old.

Characteristics Values
Alcohol availability Beer and lower-alcohol wine are available in convenience and grocery stores.
Alcohol sale timings Retail stores can sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to midnight, while bars and restaurants can serve from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Legal drinking age 21 years
Legal serving age 18 years
Open container law Alcohol bottles must be transported in the trunk of the car.
BAC limit A driver with a BAC of over 0.08% is considered intoxicated and can be prosecuted for DUI. Drivers under 21 have a limit of 0.02% BAC.
DUI penalties First offense: license suspension for 90 days. Second offense: license suspension for 18 months. Third offense: permanent license revocation.
Alcohol container deposit 15 cents for liquor and spirit bottles over 50ml. 5 cents for all other beverage containers.

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Beer and alcohol are available 7 days a week in Vermont

Vermont is not a dry state, and beer and alcohol are available for purchase 7 days a week. The state's alcohol laws are relatively relaxed compared to other states, and its restrictions are light enough that it is not considered a dry state.

Vermont contracts with private retailers to sell alcohol, rather than operating state-run stores. Beer and wine are typically available in convenience and grocery stores, while bars and restaurants can sell alcohol, too. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcohol between 8 am and 2 am. Off-premise retailers, such as grocery stores, can sell alcohol between 6 am and midnight. These hours are consistent throughout the week, including on Sundays, and there are no extra restrictions on this day.

Vermont has some unique alcohol regulations, such as prohibiting the sale of alcohol to anyone who is drunk or likely to become drunk. The state also has laws regarding open containers, with open containers of alcohol required to be placed in the trunk, a locked glove box, or behind the rearmost upright seat of a vehicle.

The minimum drinking age in Vermont is 21, and there are strict laws and penalties in place for drunk driving, with enhanced penalties for drivers under the age of 21.

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On-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 8 am to 2 am

Vermont has a unique arrangement for the sale of alcohol. The state contracts with private retailers to sell alcohol, rather than operating state-owned stores. Beer and lower-alcohol wines are usually available in convenience and grocery stores.

On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcohol from 8 am to 2 am. This includes beer, wine, and liquor every day of the week. The majority of sales are for on-site consumption, but take-out orders can include alcohol between 10 am and 11 pm.

Vermont's drinking laws are fairly straightforward and not overly restrictive. The state allows alcohol delivery and growlers. Alcohol delivery is permitted from 9 am to 5 pm for off-premise retailers and between 10 am and 11 pm for restaurant and bar to-go orders.

Vermont is not a dry state and does not prohibit the production or sale of alcohol. However, there are four dry towns in the state where alcohol cannot be purchased.

The minimum drinking age in Vermont is 21, and there are strict laws against drinking and driving. The legal limit for drivers under 21 is much lower than the national limit, with a BAC of just 0.02%. For those over 21, the limit is 0.08% BAC, and commercial drivers have a limit of 0.04%.

Vermont has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the country, with rules designed to control pricing and discourage excessive consumption. For example, establishments are not allowed to offer happy hour discounts during a limited time, although they can reduce prices for an entire day.

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Off-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 6 am to midnight

Vermont's alcohol laws can be tricky, and the state has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the country. However, off-premise retailers, such as grocery stores, can sell alcohol from 6 am to midnight every day of the week. This includes beer, wine, and liquor, but all sales must be for off-premise consumption and in their original packaging.

Vermont law draws a distinction between on-premise and off-premise retailers. On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, have different rules and are allowed to sell alcohol between 8 am and 2 am. Off-premise retailers, on the other hand, are only permitted to sell alcohol during the specified timeframe of 6 am to midnight. This means that if you're looking to purchase alcohol to consume at home or elsewhere off-site, you'll need to plan your shopping accordingly within this timeframe.

It's worth noting that these hours are consistent throughout the state, with the exception of New Year's Day, when the Board of Liquor and Lottery may extend the hours of sale for certain license holders. Additionally, some towns in Vermont are dry, meaning they prohibit the sale of alcohol, so it's always a good idea to check local regulations before making a purchase.

Vermont also has some unique alcohol laws that are important to be aware of. For example, the state doesn't allow happy hours, but establishments can offer reduced drink prices for an entire day. The state also prohibits drinking games like beer pong and gelande quaffing, and there are strict rules around open containers in vehicles.

So, while Vermont may have more relaxed rules than some states when it comes to off-premise alcohol sales, it's important to be mindful of the specific regulations in place to ensure you're complying with the law.

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Vermont has an open container law

The open container law applies to both drivers and passengers. A person who possesses an open container that contains an alcoholic beverage in violation of this law will be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $25.

Vermont defines an alcoholic "beverage" as any alcohol, malt beverage, spirit, wine, or any beverage composed of such. An open container includes any unsealed container of alcohol. If the seal of the container has been broken, it is considered open.

There are a few exceptions to Vermont's open container law. The restrictions don't apply to items in a locked glove box, in the trunk of the car, or behind the back seat (if the car doesn't have a trunk) as long as they are not readily accessible to the driver or passengers. The law also doesn't apply to certain types of vehicles, such as commercial or for-hire vehicles, and the living quarters of a motor home or coach. As long as the unsealed beverage is not in the possession of the driver, passengers over 21 years old are permitted to possess and consume alcohol inside these vehicles.

Vermont also has specific laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can be purchased 7 days a week, with on-premise retailers (such as bars and restaurants) selling between 8 am and 2 am, and off-premise retailers (such as grocery stores) selling between 6 am and midnight. The minimum drinking age in Vermont is 21, and minors may not drink alcohol with their parents.

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The minimum drinking age in Vermont is 21

Vermont's drinking laws are fairly straightforward and not particularly strict compared to other states. The laws are in place to discourage dangerous behaviour involving alcohol and to protect the general public. For example, it is illegal for a passenger or driver of a motor vehicle to possess an open container of alcohol. The alcohol must be placed in the trunk, a locked glove box, or behind the rearmost upright seat if there is no trunk in the vehicle.

Vermont is not a dry state, meaning it does not prohibit the production or sale of alcohol. Alcohol can be purchased 7 days a week, and there are no extra restrictions on Sundays. On-premise retailers such as bars and restaurants can sell alcohol between 8 am and 2 am, while off-premise retailers like grocery stores can sell between 6 am and midnight.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can buy beer to go in Vermont.

Yes, you can only buy up to six gallons of beer to go at a time.

Yes, beer can only be sold to go by retailers between 6 am and midnight. Bars and restaurants can sell beer to go between 10 am and 11 pm.

Yes, the beer must be in its original packaging and cannot be a powdered alcohol product.

Yes, you cannot have an open container of beer in your vehicle. All beer must be in a sealed container and kept in the trunk, a locked glove box, or behind the rearmost upright seat if there is no trunk.

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