Jason Wagner
The time at which you can buy beer in the morning depends on where you are in the world. In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, and the sale of alcohol is regulated by individual states and territories. This means that the earliest time you can buy beer varies across the country. For example, in Mississippi, beer can be purchased between 10 am and 10 pm from Monday to Saturday, whereas in California, beer can be purchased from 6 am to 2 am every day. In some states, like Mississippi, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays and Christmas Day. In other states, like California, there are no restrictions on when alcohol can be sold on holidays.
What You'll Learn
Texas alcohol laws
Texas has complex liquor laws that vary across cities and counties. Generally, beer and wine can be purchased from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
Grocery and convenience stores in Texas can sell beer and wine between 7 a.m. and midnight from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, sales begin at 7 a.m. and extend until 1 a.m. on Sunday mornings. In 2021, Texas updated its laws regarding Sunday sales, allowing them to start at 10 a.m. instead of noon.
Bars and restaurants follow a similar schedule to grocery and convenience stores, but with some differences on Sundays. They can serve alcohol from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays only if it is paired with food. If food is not included in the order, alcohol-only sales begin at noon.
Liquor has more stringent regulations. Liquor stores are only open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If Christmas or New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, they must also remain closed on the following Monday.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations.
Buying Beer on Sundays in Sterling, VA: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
Alcohol sales by day of the week
Alcohol sales laws vary widely across the United States, with some states keeping it simple with a single set of hours for all types of liquor sales across the week, while others have different laws for each day of the week.
In Texas, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine between 7 a.m. and midnight from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, sales begin at 7 a.m. and extend until 1 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Liquor stores are permitted to operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays.
In California, you can buy alcohol any day of the year, both on- and off-premises, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. However, cities and counties can set additional restrictions.
In Alabama, you can buy alcohol at state liquor stores from Monday to Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Grocery and liquor stores are allowed to sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., and on-premise locations can sell until 2 a.m. as well. However, alcohol sales are prohibited in several counties.
In Alaska, state liquor law allows sales between 8 a.m. and 5 a.m. any day of the week, but most local jurisdictions have more restrictive laws.
In Arizona, you can buy alcohol between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day of the year.
In Nevada, alcohol sales are allowed any hour of the day, any day of the year, unless you're in the township of Penaca, which is dry.
In Florida, state liquor laws prohibit selling hours (on- and off-premises) between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. However, counties can override this restriction. For example, in Miami-Dade County, liquor stores are allowed to be open 24/7.
In Georgia, the only state-wide rule is that Sunday off-premises sales are disallowed from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. by default.
In summary, while there are some common patterns, alcohol sales laws vary significantly by state and even by county or city, so it's important to check the specific regulations in your area. These laws can change at any time, so it's always a good idea to stay informed to ensure you're complying with the latest regulations.
Where to Buy Bud Dry Beer?
You may want to see also
Alcohol sales by time of day
Alabama
In Alabama, alcohol can be purchased at state liquor stores from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 9 pm. Grocery and liquor stores are allowed to sell alcohol from 6 am to 2 am, and on-premise locations can sell until 2 am as well. However, alcohol sales are prohibited in certain counties known as dry counties.
Alaska
Alaska state law allows alcohol sales between 8 am and 5 am any day of the week. However, local jurisdictions within Alaska may have more restrictive liquor laws.
Arizona
In Arizona, alcohol can be purchased between 6 am and 2 am every day of the year.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, alcohol sales are prohibited in most jurisdictions.
California
In California, alcohol can be purchased on-premises or off-premises from 6 am to 2 am any day of the year. Cities and counties can set additional restrictions on top of this.
Colorado
Alcohol is only available for purchase at liquor stores and licensed drug stores in Colorado.
Connecticut
There are no longer state-wide prohibitions on Sunday alcohol sales in Connecticut, but local ordinances can restrict on-premises sales on Sundays.
Delaware
Alcohol sales in Delaware are restricted to liquor stores, taprooms, and brewpubs only on specific holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Large municipalities within the state can set stricter hours.
District of Columbia
Alcohol sales in the District of Columbia are allowed until 4 am on New Year's Eve and 3 am before federal and district holidays.
Florida
State liquor laws in Florida prohibit alcohol sales between 1 am and 7 am. However, counties can override this restriction. For example, Miami-Dade County allows liquor stores to remain open 24/7.
Georgia
The only state-wide rule in Georgia is that off-premises sales are disallowed from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm on Sundays. Local jurisdictions can opt-in to Sunday afternoon sales by referendum.
Hawaii
Alcohol can be purchased in Hawaii until 2 am, and until 4 am with a cabaret license.
Idaho
State liquor law in Idaho allows liquor sales between 10 am and 1 am, while beer and wine can be purchased starting at 6 am. Counties and cities can extend alcohol service until 2 am and can also impose more restrictive laws. Liquor cannot be sold on Sundays or specific holidays like Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Illinois
While most liquor laws are set by local jurisdictions in Illinois, some counties like Cicero and Rock Island have 24-hour bars.
Iowa
In Iowa, alcohol selling hours are from 8 am to 2 am on Sundays and 6 am to 2 am on weekdays.
Kansas
Alcohol sales in Kansas are restricted on specific holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.
Kentucky
Kentucky has state liquor laws related to alcohol selling hours, but there are numerous exceptions, so local jurisdictions should be consulted.
Louisiana
Alcohol sales hours in Louisiana are set by local jurisdictions. Some areas, like Cameron Parish and the metro areas of New Orleans and Lake Charles, have bars that are open 24 hours.
Maine
In Maine, alcohol can be purchased between 5 am and 1 am every day.
Maryland
Maryland's liquor laws are determined by local jurisdictions, with some parts of the state prohibiting Sunday alcohol sales.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has specific days where alcohol sales are restricted, including Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Individual cities and towns are allowed to restrict on-premises sales before 11 am or after 11 pm.
Michigan
Michigan has special licenses that allow alcohol sales starting at 7 am. Alcohol sales are prohibited until noon on Christmas Day and extended until 4 am on New Year's.
Minnesota
Local jurisdictions in Minnesota can restrict off-premises alcohol sales hours further.
Mississippi
Local jurisdictions typically dictate alcohol sales hours in Mississippi. Alcohol sales are generally allowed on Sundays and Christmas Day, but some locations only permit beer and low-ABV wine sales. Coastal casinos can provide free alcohol 24/7.
Missouri
Missouri allows on-premises and off-premises alcohol sales from 6 am to 1:30 am every day of the year. Some bars and nightclubs with special licenses can serve until 3 am.
Montana
Alcohol sales in Montana are allowed until 2 am but may be restricted by local ordinances, especially for low ABV beer and wine.
Nebraska
Alcohol sales in Nebraska start at 6 am, but liquor stores may open earlier with local approval. Sunday sales can vary by jurisdiction.
Nevada
With the exception of the township of Penaca, which is dry, alcohol sales in Nevada are permitted at any time of the day, every day of the year.
New Hampshire
Alcohol sales in New Hampshire are restricted to grocery stores selling beer and wine only.
Beer Buying in North Carolina: Sunday Shopping Laws
You may want to see also
Alcohol laws by state
Alcohol laws vary significantly across the United States, with each state and territory empowered to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction. While the minimum drinking age is 21 across the country, there are exceptions in some states for religious, medical, and educational purposes, or when in the presence of a parent or guardian.
- Alabama: Alcohol can be purchased at state liquor stores from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 9 pm. Grocery and liquor stores can sell alcohol from 6 am to 2 am, and on-premise locations can sell until 2 am as well. However, alcohol sales are prohibited in several counties.
- Alaska: Alcohol sales are allowed between 8 am and 5 am any day of the week, although local jurisdictions may have more restrictive laws.
- Arizona: Alcohol can be purchased between 6 am and 2 am every day.
- Arkansas: Prohibited in most jurisdictions.
- California: Alcohol can be purchased on- or off-premises from 6 am to 2 am any day of the year. Cities and counties may set additional restrictions.
- Colorado: Liquor is only available at liquor stores and licensed drug stores.
- Connecticut: There are no longer state-wide Sunday prohibitions, but local ordinances can restrict on-premises sales on Sundays.
- Delaware: Liquor stores, taprooms, and brewpubs may have stricter hours.
- District of Columbia: Alcohol sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am Sunday to Thursday, and from 8 am to 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Grocery stores can sell alcohol from 9 am to 12 am daily.
- Florida: Alcohol sales are prohibited between 1 am and 7 am, but counties can override this restriction. For example, Miami-Dade County allows 24/7 liquor sales.
- Georgia: Off-premises sales are disallowed from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm on Sundays by default. Local jurisdictions must opt-in to Sunday afternoon sales.
- Hawaii: Alcohol can be purchased until 2 am, or 4 am with a cabaret license.
- Idaho: Liquor can be sold between 10 am and 1 am, while beer and wine can be purchased from 6 am. Counties and cities may extend alcohol service until 2 am, but sales are prohibited on Sundays and certain holidays.
- Illinois: Alcohol can likely be purchased at any time in a few counties. In Cook County and Metro East, there are bars with 21- to 22-hour operations.
- Indiana: Prohibits the sales of cold beer by grocery stores or gas stations.
- Iowa: Alcohol selling hours are from 8 am to 2 am on Sundays, and 6 am to 2 am on weekdays.
- Kansas: Off-premise sales are prohibited on Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.
- Kentucky: There are many exceptions to state liquor laws, so local jurisdictions should be consulted.
- Louisiana: Alcohol sales hours are set by local jurisdictions. Bars in some areas, including New Orleans and Lake Charles, are open 24 hours.
- Maine: Alcohol can be purchased between 5 am and 1 am every day.
- Maryland: Liquor laws are determined by local jurisdictions and vary across the state.
- Massachusetts: Alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays. Cities and towns may restrict on-premises sales before 11 am or after 11 pm.
- Michigan: Alcohol sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am from Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 2 am on Sundays.
- Minnesota: Local jurisdictions can restrict off-premises sales hours.
- Mississippi: Local jurisdictions typically dictate alcohol sales hours. Generally, alcohol sales are allowed on Sundays and Christmas Day, but are prohibited on New Year's Day.
- Missouri: On- and off-premises sales are allowed from 6 am to 1:30 am every day. Some bars and nightclubs can serve until 3 am with a special license.
- Montana: Alcohol sales are allowed until 2 am but may be restricted by local ordinances.
- Nebraska: Alcohol sales start at 6 am, but liquor stores may open earlier with local approval. Sunday sales vary by jurisdiction.
- Nevada: Alcohol sales are allowed at any time, any day of the year, except in the township of Penaca, which is dry.
- New Hampshire: Grocery stores can sell beer and wine only.
- New Jersey: Liquor laws are set by municipalities, but most jurisdictions allow on-premises sales from 6 am to 2 am, and off-premises sales from 9 am to 1 am.
- New Mexico: Generally prohibited on Sundays, but some jurisdictions sell special Sunday permits.
Buying Beer in Tennessee on President's Day: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Alcohol sales by type of business
Alcohol sales laws vary widely across the United States, with some states keeping it simple with a single set of hours for all types of liquor in all types of sales, while others have more complex laws. Generally speaking, alcohol selling hours are dictated by the premises/business type, alcohol type, and day of the week.
Here's a breakdown of alcohol sales by type of business in a few states:
Alabama
- State liquor stores: Open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm.
- Grocery and liquor stores: Allowed to sell alcohol from 6 am to 2 am.
- On-premise locations (restaurants and bars): Can sell until 2 am.
- Some counties in Alabama, known as dry counties, prohibit alcohol sales.
Arizona
Alcohol can be purchased between 6 am and 2 am every day of the year.
California
- Alcohol can be purchased on- or off-premises from 6 am to 2 am any day of the year.
- Cities and counties can set additional restrictions.
Florida
- State liquor laws prohibit selling hours (on- and off-premises) between 1 am and 7 am.
- Counties can override this restriction. For example, Miami-Dade County allows liquor stores to be open 24/7.
Georgia
- Sunday off-premises sales are generally disallowed from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
- Local jurisdictions can opt-in to Sunday afternoon sales by referendum.
Idaho
- Liquor can be sold between 10 am and 1 am, while beer and wine sales can start at 6 am.
- Counties and cities can extend alcohol service until 2 am and can also restrict sales more severely than the state.
- Liquor cannot be sold on Sundays or on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Illinois
- Alcohol can be purchased for off-premise consumption from 7 am to 3 am, seven days a week.
- For on-premise consumption in bars or restaurants, alcohol can be purchased between 7 am and 2 am from Monday to Friday, with some bars open later on Saturdays.
Texas
- Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine from 7 am to midnight, Monday to Friday, and from 7 am on Saturday to 1 am on Sunday.
- Liquor stores are permitted to operate from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays and certain holidays.
- Wineries can serve alcohol from 8 am to midnight, Monday to Saturday, and from 10 am to midnight on Sundays.
These are just a few examples, and it's important to note that laws can change, so it's always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information for a specific state or locality.
Buying Beer Late in California: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
In Texas, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer from 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m. on Sundays.
In Arizona, you can buy beer between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. every day of the year.
Yes, in Nevada, you can buy beer at any time of the day, any day of the year, unless you're in the township of Penaca, which is dry.
In California, you can buy beer on- or off-premises from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. any day of the year. Cities and counties can set additional restrictions.
