Last Call For Beer: Getgo Shopping Hours

The hours during which you can buy beer vary depending on your location. In the US, each state has its own liquor laws, and even within states, local jurisdictions can pass their own alcohol laws. For example, in California, you can buy alcohol from 6 am to 2 am any day of the year, whereas in Texas, the hours for on-premises sales are 7 am to midnight from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 1 am on Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday. In Pennsylvania, the hours for off-premises beer sales are 7 am to midnight from Monday to Saturday and 9 am to midnight on Sunday.

GetGo, a convenience store chain, has also started selling beer at some of its locations. The hours for beer sales at GetGo's Forward Township location in Pennsylvania are 7 am to 2 am from Monday to Saturday and 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday. Another GetGo location in Penn Hills, which was granted a license to sell beer and wine, plans to sell alcohol from 7 am to midnight from Monday to Saturday and 9 am to midnight on Sunday.

Beer sales hours at GetGo on Frankstown Road, Penn Hills

Beer sales hours at the GetGo on Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, have been a topic of debate and discussion. Initially, there was uncertainty regarding the store's ability to sell beer, with the store owner applying to the state Liquor Control Board for a license. After a period of deliberation and a public hearing, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board granted approval for the GetGo on Frankstown Road to sell beer and wine.

The planned alcohol sales hours for the GetGo on Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, are as follows:

• Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. to midnight
• Sunday: 9 a.m. to midnight

It is important to note that these hours are subject to change and may have been updated since the initial announcement. Additionally, wine will be available for purchase until 11 p.m. daily, and there is a "100 percent carding policy" in place. Beer sales will be limited to two for on-property consumption when coupled with a food purchase.

The approval for beer and wine sales at this GetGo location came after a lengthy debate and faced opposition from some Penn Hills council members and the nearby Hebron United Presbyterian Church. The council members expressed concerns over traffic, parking, and increasing access to alcohol for minors. The church, located across the street, raised worries about the use of their parking lot by GetGo customers and predicted an increase in crime in the area. Despite these objections, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approved the license transfer, and the GetGo on Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, was permitted to sell beer and wine during the specified hours.

GetGo's first location in Pennsylvania to sell beer

The decision to sell beer at the location was met with some opposition from traditional beer distributors, who argued that gas and alcohol should not be sold at the same location. Despite this, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board granted a license to the GetGo store, allowing it to sell beer and wine.

The GetGo store in Forward Township offers a wide selection of domestic, craft, and imported beers, with more than 100 options available in a walk-in beer cave. The beer cave is open seven days a week and offers customers a variety of beer selections and varieties.

The introduction of beer sales at GetGo locations in Pennsylvania was a significant development for the company, as it offered increased convenience for customers and the opportunity to stimulate the local economy. However, it is important to note that there are rules and regulations in place for the sale and consumption of alcohol, and GetGo implemented a 100 percent carding policy to ensure responsible sales.

The debate surrounding alcohol sales at gas stations

The sale of alcohol at gas stations has been a topic of debate in various states across the country. While some people find it convenient, others raise concerns about public health and safety. The debate centres on the potential benefits of increased convenience and sales for gas stations versus the potential drawbacks of increased alcohol-related incidents and drunk driving.

On the one hand, proponents of alcohol sales at gas stations argue that it provides customers with added convenience and saves them time. For instance, customers filling up their gas tanks can also purchase alcohol without making an additional trip to a liquor store. This convenience is particularly appealing to those who are on the run or have busy schedules. Additionally, supporters highlight the economic benefits of alcohol sales at gas stations, including increased revenue, job creation, and enhanced competitiveness for gas stations, which can positively impact the local economy.

On the other hand, opponents of alcohol sales at gas stations express concerns about public health and safety. They argue that easy access to alcohol at gas stations may contribute to an increase in overall alcohol consumption, underage drinking, and drunk driving. Critics believe that gas stations should primarily focus on selling fuel and non-alcoholic products, reducing the risk of alcohol-related incidents.

In Michigan, a new law allows grocery stores to apply for a secondary liquor license to sell beer and wine at gas stations they own. This change has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it gives larger grocery chains an unfair advantage over small, local operations. The law also impacts the inventory requirements for gas stations, as they are mandated to have a certain value of inventory, excluding alcohol and gas, which can be challenging for smaller businesses.

State-specific regulations governing alcohol sales times

The 21st Amendment of the United States Constitution grants each state and territory the power to regulate laws pertaining to alcohol. As such, there is no uniform law regarding the sale of alcohol across the country.

Alabama

State-owned liquor stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, but private liquor stores don't have to follow these rules. Alcohol sales are prohibited in several counties known as dry counties. In the counties that do allow alcohol sales, the hours are typically 9 am-9 pm Monday to Saturday, and 6 am-2 am in grocery and liquor stores.

Alaska

State liquor law allows sales between 8 am and 5 pm any day of the week, although local jurisdictions may have more restrictive laws.

Arizona

You can buy alcohol between 6 am and 2 am every day of the year.

Arkansas

Prohibited by most jurisdictions.

California

You can buy alcohol, on- or off-premises, from 6 am to 2 am any day of the year. Cities and counties can 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. Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day are also restricted.

Delaware

Liquor stores, taprooms, and brewpubs are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Large municipalities can set stricter hours.

District of Columbia

Liquor stores can remain open until 4 am on New Year's Eve and 3 am before federal and district holidays.

Florida

State liquor laws prohibit selling hours (on- and off-premises) between 1 am and 7 am. However, counties can override this restriction. For example, in Miami-Dade County, liquor stores are allowed to be open 24/7.

Georgia

The only state-wide rule is that Sunday off-premises sales are disallowed from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm by default. Your local jurisdiction needs to opt-in to Sunday afternoon sales by referendum. Otherwise, liquor laws are set by the local jurisdiction.

Hawaii

You can buy alcohol until 2 am, or 4 am with a cabaret license, in Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Counties.

Idaho

State liquor law allows liquor to be sold between 10 am and 1 am, and beer and wine from 6 am. Counties and cities can extend alcohol service until 2 am, but liquor cannot be sold on Sundays or on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Illinois

Most liquor laws are set by the local jurisdiction. However, you can probably buy alcohol right now in a few counties. Cicero and Rock Island County have 24-hour bars. Cook County and Metro East have some 21- to 22-hour bars.

Indiana

Not specified.

Iowa

Alcohol selling hours run from 8 am to 2 am on Sunday. Every other weekday, it's 6 am to 2 am. Liquor is restricted to state-run stores.

Kansas

Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are restricted.

Kentucky

While Kentucky does have state liquor laws related to alcohol selling hours, there are many exceptions, so you'll need to check with your local jurisdiction.

Louisiana

Alcohol sales hours are set by local jurisdictions. In Cameron Parish and the metro areas of New Orleans and Lake Charles, bars are open 24 hours. However, those within the city limits of Lake Charles must close on Sundays. In Shreveport, bars stop selling alcohol at 6 am downtown and 4 am elsewhere. Most other municipalities stop on-premises service at 3 am or earlier.

Maine

You can buy alcohol between the hours of 5 am and 1 am every day.

Maryland

Maryland's liquor laws are set by local jurisdictions, so it varies. Some jurisdictions prohibit Sunday alcohol sales, including some parts of Baltimore County and Garrett County.

Massachusetts

Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (and the following day if Christmas falls on a Sunday) are restricted. An extra half-hour before a holiday is allowed. Individual cities and towns are allowed to restrict on-premises sales before 11 am or after 11 pm.

Michigan

7 am open with a special license) Christmas Day (prohibited until noon) and New Year's (extended until 4 am) are restricted. Local jurisdictions may restrict alcohol selling hours further on Sunday.

Minnesota

Not specified, but local jurisdictions can restrict off-premises sales hours further.

Mississippi

Local jurisdictions typically dictate the alcohol sales/service hours in Mississippi. Generally speaking, Sunday and Christmas Day are restricted. Coastal casinos can provide free alcohol 24/7.

Missouri

Liquor law allows on- and off-premises 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, most of which are located in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Lake of the Ozarks.

Montana

Until 2 am; restricted by some local ordinances (low ABV beer and wine only).

Nebraska

While the sale of alcohol starts at 6 am, liquor stores may open earlier in certain areas with local approval. Sunday sales can vary by jurisdiction. Municipalities can extend on-premises sales until 2 am.

Nevada

Unless you're in the township of Penaca (which is dry), alcohol sales are allowed any hour of the day, any day of the

The process of obtaining a license to sell alcohol

Understanding the Requirements:

Before initiating the application process, it is crucial to comprehend the specific requirements of the state or municipality in which you intend to sell alcohol. These requirements can include fees, licenses, permits, and regulations that need to be fulfilled.

Identifying the Type of License:

The type of license required depends on the nature of the business and the alcohol being sold. Common distinctions include licenses for retail or wholesale operations, on-premise or off-premise consumption, service by the drink or bottle, and the type of alcohol (beer, wine, or liquor).

Contacting the Relevant Authority:

In most cases, the authority responsible for issuing alcohol licenses is the state's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or a similar entity, such as a Liquor Control Board or Liquor Division. However, in some states, licenses are issued by local governments or municipalities, so it is essential to confirm the responsible authority.

Completing the Application:

The application process can vary from manual forms to online portals. The application typically requires detailed information, including fingerprints, proof of financial backing, occupancy rights, and various operating licenses and permits. Some states may also require a background investigation, tax clearance, and a business plan.

Paying the Fees:

Application or initial license fees can range from under $100 to $40,000 or more, depending on the state, municipality, license type, area population, and business size. Additionally, there may be annual license renewal fees, which are typically lower than the initial application fees.

Complying with Local Regulations:

Local regulations, such as zoning laws and conditional use permits, must be considered. Some states or counties may have specific requirements, such as selling food with alcohol or restricting the sale of alcohol in certain areas.

Waiting for Processing and Approval:

The time required for processing and approving license applications varies significantly across states. While some states may take around 45 days, others may take several months or even longer for population-based license quotas.

Understanding Restrictions:

It is important to be aware of any restrictions or conditions associated with the license. For example, some licenses may have quotas, limits on operating hours, or requirements for food purchases with alcohol consumption.

Maintaining Compliance:

Once the license is obtained, it is essential to comply with all applicable regulations and renew the license periodically, typically every one to three years, to continue selling alcohol legally.

Frequently asked questions