Atlanta's Nighttime Beer Buying Limit: Know The Rules

The laws surrounding alcohol sales in Atlanta, Georgia, are complex and can vary by jurisdiction. Generally, in Georgia, the last call for alcohol is 2 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. However, in Atlanta, you can buy beer, wine, and spirits until midnight on Sundays. This is because, in 2022, Atlanta voters passed a measure to extend Sunday alcohol sales hours, which took effect in 2023. This means that in Atlanta, alcoholic beverages can be purchased from 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

Beer can be bought in Atlanta until 11:30 pm on Sundays

On the other hand, bars and restaurants have slightly different rules. While they must also stop selling alcohol at 11:30 pm on Sundays, they can start serving it earlier, at 11 am, thanks to the Brunch Bill passed in 2018. This bill allows restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages from 11 am to midnight on Sundays.

It's worth noting that these laws can vary by jurisdiction and individual counties in Georgia may have more restrictive rules. For example, in Muscogee County, while package stores close around 11:30 pm on Sundays, you cannot buy beer from 12 am to 12 pm on Sundays.

Additionally, some cities in Georgia allow alcohol sales later than 11:30 pm or even 24 hours a day. Atlanta, for instance, allows alcohol sales until midnight on Sundays. This extended timeframe applies to both by-the-drink and package sales.

From Monday to Saturday, beer can be bought until 11:45 pm

From Monday to Saturday, beer can be bought in Atlanta until 11:45 pm. This applies to gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, breweries, and taprooms.

On Sundays, beer can be purchased from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

It is important to note that these are the state-level laws in Georgia, and local jurisdictions can set more restrictive rules. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the specific rules for the area of Atlanta you are in.

Additionally, the laws for bars and restaurants are slightly different. They can start selling alcohol at 9 am from Monday to Saturday and must stop by 2 am. On Sundays, they follow the same hours as other retailers, selling from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

So, if you're looking to buy beer in Atlanta during the week, make sure to get to the store before 11:45 pm!

Alcohol can be bought from restaurants from 11 am to 11:45 pm

Alcohol laws in Atlanta, Georgia, can be confusing as local jurisdictions are allowed to set their own rules within state-defined parameters.

In Atlanta, you can buy alcohol from restaurants between 11 am and 11:45 pm. However, the rules for buying alcohol to consume off-site are slightly different. Alcohol can be purchased from 7 am to 11:45 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm on Sundays.

In 2022, Atlanta residents voted to allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores from 11 am on Sundays, rather than having to wait until 12:30 pm. This law came into effect in 2023 and also extended Sunday buying time until midnight instead of 11:30 pm.

So, if you're looking to buy a drink with your meal in Atlanta, you can do so between 11 am and 11:45 pm any day of the week.

Alcohol can be delivered to your home in Atlanta

If you're hosting a party or just fancy a drink at home in Atlanta, you can get alcohol delivered straight to your door. There are several delivery services to choose from, including Instacart, Uber Eats, and GotoLiquorStore. Each platform offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, from beer and wine to spirits and hard seltzers. You can even get non-alcoholic drinks delivered if you're looking for something without the buzz.

Ordering alcohol to your home in Atlanta is simple. Just download the app or visit the website of your chosen delivery service. Browse the selection of drinks from local retailers, add them to your cart, and check out. You'll need to provide your delivery address and be prepared to show a valid ID upon delivery, as proof of age.

Delivery fees and times may vary depending on the service and your location. Instacart, for example, offers same-day delivery starting at $3.99 for orders over $35, with delivery windows as early as 9 am and as late as midnight. GotoLiquorStore works with local retailers to fulfill orders, so their delivery times may depend on factors such as time of day, order volume, and traffic conditions.

It's worth noting that alcohol sales hours in Atlanta can vary by jurisdiction. Generally, alcohol sales can start as early as 8 am and last until 11:45 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol sales are typically restricted to between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm, thanks to the Sunday Alcohol Sales Measure, which was passed with an overwhelming majority.

Alcohol sales are restricted in some counties

In Georgia, the law previously stated that alcoholic beverages could only be purchased between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. However, in 2022, Atlanta residents voted to allow the sale of alcohol starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays, with the new law taking effect in 2023. This change applies only to the city of Atlanta and not to other parts of Georgia.

Additionally, certain counties in Georgia are "dry counties," meaning retail liquor sales are illegal in those jurisdictions. As of 2023, the dry counties in Georgia include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, and White Counties. Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption in places like bars and restaurants, but allow sales for off-site consumption. Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but permits alcohol service in bars and restaurants.

Closing times for alcohol sales vary by jurisdiction in Georgia, but generally, the last call is 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. Grocery stores, liquor stores, and other places selling alcohol for off-premises consumption must stop sales by 11:45 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until 2 a.m. every day and can start serving at 9 a.m. On Sundays, they must wait until 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., depending on local laws.

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