Arizona's Early Beer Buying: Legal Hours And Age Limits

Arizona's liquor laws have changed over the years. In 2020, for example, Gov. Doug Ducey allowed cocktails to-go for the first time when restaurants and bars closed down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Arizona has a few unique laws surrounding alcohol. Beer can be bought in Arizona from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, including Sundays, which was not always the case.

Beer can be bought from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. in Arizona

Arizona has a set of unique laws surrounding alcohol. Beer can be bought from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. in Arizona, every day of the week. This applies to all on- and off-premise consumption locations, including bars, restaurants, gas stations, liquor stores, and grocery stores.

The state previously had a blue law, which restricted the sale of alcohol on Sundays until 10 a.m. However, this law was overturned, and now the hours of sale are the same on Sundays as they are for the rest of the week.

It is important to note that while beer can be purchased from 6 a.m., bars, restaurants, and liquor stores are required to stop selling alcohol at 2 a.m. every day. Customers are allowed an additional half hour to finish their drinks, and at 2:30 a.m., it becomes illegal for anyone other than employees to have an open container.

Arizona's liquor laws have evolved over the years. For example, in 2020, Gov. Doug Ducey allowed cocktails to-go for the first time when restaurants and bars closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state of Arizona sets the times when liquor licensees may sell alcohol, and it is illegal to purchase beer outside of these hours. Additionally, election days are treated the same as any other day, with no extra liquor restrictions.

Arizona's minimum drinking age is 21

The state has established specific regulations surrounding alcohol sales, including designated hours for liquor licensees to sell alcohol. Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in Arizona are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages, including beer, between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. This timeframe applies consistently from Monday through Sunday, with no additional restrictions on weekends. The last call for alcohol sales is at 2 a.m., after which customers are allowed an additional half hour to finish their drinks. At 2:30 a.m., it becomes illegal for anyone other than employees to possess an open container in bars or restaurants.

It is worth noting that Arizona once had a "blue law," which restricted alcohol sales on Sundays. However, this law has since been overturned, and there are no longer any distinctions in the hours of sale between weekdays and weekends. The minimum drinking age of 21 years applies uniformly across the state, and establishments are responsible for verifying the age of their customers through valid identification.

While Arizona allows the sale and consumption of alcohol, it also enforces strict laws regarding drinking and driving. The state has stringent DUI laws, and even a trace of alcohol in the system of a driver under 21 years of age can result in penalties, including a suspended license. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and abide by the minimum drinking age requirement in Arizona to ensure compliance with the law and promote public safety.

Arizona's blue law, which restricted Sunday beer sales, was overturned

The change in the law was initially proposed by state Rep. Matt Heinz, who argued that it was inconsistent to treat Sunday differently from other days of the week. Although his bill did not pass the House, it was attached to another Senate bill and eventually signed by Gov. Jan Brewer in May 2010.

The new law allows establishments with active liquor licenses to sell alcohol starting at 6 a.m. on Sundays, aligning with the regular daily start time for alcohol sales. This change is expected to bring in an additional $450,000 in tax revenue for the state each year.

While Arizona's blue law regarding Sunday alcohol sales has been overturned, similar laws remain in other states across the U.S. Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, are designed to restrict or ban certain activities on specified days, usually Sundays, to promote a day of rest and observe religious standards. While most blue laws have been repealed, some states continue to enforce restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales, car sales, and sporting events.

Beer can be bought at bars, restaurants, liquor stores, gas stations, and grocery stores

Beer can be purchased at various establishments in Arizona, including bars, restaurants, liquor stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Each of these locations has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Bars and restaurants in Arizona are permitted to sell beer, along with wine and liquor, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day. This includes draft beer and beer in its original packaging, which can be sold for consumption on or off the premises. However, to sell alcohol late at night, these establishments must keep their kitchens open until 10 p.m. Additionally, it is illegal for customers to possess an open container of alcohol at bars or restaurants between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Gas stations in Arizona are also allowed to sell beer, wine, and liquor, but only in their original packaging, and consumption is not permitted on the premises. The hours for purchasing alcohol at gas stations are the same as for bars and restaurants, 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Some gas stations only have licenses to sell beer and wine but can apply for a liquor license if desired.

Grocery stores in Arizona are authorized to sell beer, wine, and liquor during the same hours as bars, restaurants, and gas stations, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day. Customers are not allowed to consume alcohol on the premises, and all beverages must remain in their original packaging.

Liquor stores in Arizona adhere to the same hours for selling alcohol, operating from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. They can offer a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. Certain locations may provide small samples, but sales are typically limited to alcohol in its original packaging.

It is worth noting that Arizona's liquor laws have evolved over time. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gov. Doug Ducey permitted the sale of cocktails to-go for the first time, allowing bars, liquor stores, and restaurants with the proper licenses to offer this option.

Arizona's DUI laws are very strict

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Arizona is 0.08%. However, the state has a "not-a-drop" law that prohibits motorists under the age of 21 from driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. This is known as a "baby DUI" and is a class 1 misdemeanour, punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $750. For those over 21, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is required for a DUI charge.

The penalties for a DUI in Arizona vary depending on the driver's BAC and the number of offences. A first DUI offence with a BAC of 0.08% to 0.149% is classified as a misdemeanour and carries a minimum of 10 days in jail, with all but 24 hours suspended after alcohol screening. A first offence with a BAC of 0.15% to 0.199% is considered an extreme DUI and carries a minimum of 30 consecutive days in jail, with all but 9 days suspended if the driver installs an ignition interlock device (IID). A first offence with a BAC of at least 0.20% is a super extreme DUI and results in a minimum of 45 consecutive days in jail, with all but 14 days suspended if an IID is installed.

Repeat DUI offenders face harsher penalties in Arizona. A second DUI offence with a BAC of 0.08% to 0.149% carries a minimum of 90 days in jail, with 30 days served consecutively and the remainder suspended after drug screening and treatment. A second offence with a BAC of 0.15% to 0.199% results in a minimum of 120 days in jail, with 60 days served consecutively. A second offence with a BAC of at least 0.20% leads to a minimum of 180 days in jail, with 90 days served consecutively. For all second offences, a one-year ignition interlock device requirement applies, with potential eligibility for a restricted license after 45 days.

A third DUI offence within seven years is a felony in Arizona and carries severe consequences. The penalties include a mandatory prison sentence of at least four months, a one-year license revocation, a two-year IID requirement, and over $4,000 in fines and assessments.

In addition to the standard DUI laws, Arizona has specific provisions for certain circumstances. If a driver under the influence is transporting a child under the age of 15, they will be guilty of a class six felony and face up to 18 months in prison. Driving under the influence with an ignition interlock device requirement is a level four felony, resulting in 18 months to three years in prison. Impaired driving down a one-way highway in the wrong direction can also elevate the charge to a level four felony, with a mandatory four-month prison sentence before probationary release. Operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license due to a prior DUI is a level four felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and a minimum of four months of incarceration.

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