Sundays And Beer: Connecticut's Late-Night Liquor Laws

If you're looking to buy beer in Connecticut on a Sunday, you'll want to know the laws around it. Connecticut has specific laws regarding the sale of alcohol, with the state allowing towns to set their own restrictions. While some towns may allow beer sales on Sundays, others may not. In general, off-premise beer sales are permitted from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays, but it's always good to check the specific regulations in your town to avoid accidentally breaking any laws.

On-premise vs off-premise sales

In Connecticut, the hours during which alcohol can be sold vary depending on whether it is an on-premise or off-premise sale. On-premise sales are allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. On New Year's Day, the cutoff point is extended to 3:00 a.m. On Christmas Day, on-premise sales are not allowed unless the retailer also sells food, in which case regular hourly restrictions apply.

For off-premise sales, the hours are different. Off-premise sales are allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Off-premise sales are not permitted on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

The town of Bridgewater is an exception to these rules, as it is a dry town where the sale of alcohol is illegal. Additionally, individual towns in Connecticut can set more restrictive hours for alcohol sales.

The sale of alcohol in Connecticut is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Liquor Control Division, which enforces the Connecticut Liquor Control Act and related laws and regulations.

Sunday sales in package stores

In Connecticut, package stores are off-premise sellers of alcohol, which means that the alcohol they sell is intended to be consumed elsewhere. They are allowed to sell beer, wine, and liquor during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

It's important to note that while Connecticut allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays, individual towns can impose more restrictive hours. For example, the township of Bridgewater was a dry town until 2014 and now only allows the sale of alcohol in restaurants.

Additionally, public health guidelines can further restrict sale hours, and these can change rapidly based on CDC recommendations and case numbers. Therefore, it's always a good idea to stay updated with the current restrictions in the specific town you're in.

The sale of alcohol in package stores is also prohibited on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Alcohol sales in gas stations

In Connecticut, gas stations are considered off-premise sellers of alcohol, meaning the alcohol they sell is intended to be consumed elsewhere.

Gas stations in Connecticut can sell alcohol between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, they can sell alcohol from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Beer is the only type of alcohol sold at gas stations in Connecticut, and it must be sealed. Growlers are not available for sale at these locations.

Additionally, it's worth noting that individual towns in Connecticut may impose more restrictive hours on alcohol sales, and there are some dry towns that prohibit alcohol sales entirely. For example, Bridgewater was a dry town until 2014 and now only allows the sale of alcohol in restaurants.

Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the local regulations of the specific town you're in when looking to purchase alcohol in Connecticut.

Alcohol sales in grocery stores

• Monday to Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
• Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

These hours apply regardless of the operating hours of the grocery store. Alcohol sales in grocery stores are illegal on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

In addition to grocery stores, off-premise retailers include package and liquor stores, gas stations, and breweries and taprooms. On-premise sellers, where alcohol is intended to be consumed on the premises, include bars and restaurants.

Connecticut's alcohol laws are enforced by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Liquor Control Division, which oversees all aspects of the industry, including licensing, enforcement, and regulatory compliance.

It's worth noting that the state of Connecticut allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays, but individual towns can impose further restrictions. Therefore, it's always good to check the local laws before purchasing alcohol.

Drinking laws in Connecticut

In the state of Connecticut, the sale of alcohol is permitted at specific times, with some variations depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment. On-premise sales, which include bars and restaurants, are allowed from 9 am to 1 am Monday to Friday, 9 am to 2 am on Saturday, and 10 am to 2 am on Sunday. Off-premise sales, including liquor and grocery stores, are permitted from 8 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday. These sales are prohibited on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

The minimum drinking age in Connecticut is 21 years old, and it is illegal for those under this age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. However, minors are allowed to drink with the consent and supervision of their parents or guardians. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and the penalty for doing so can include a fine of up to $1500 and/or jail time of up to 18 months.

Connecticut has strict laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and boating under the influence (BUI). For individuals over the age of 21, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Those under 21 are subject to a lower limit of 0.02%. Penalties for a first DUI conviction include jail time, fines, license suspension, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID). The penalties increase for subsequent convictions, with the potential for permanent license revocation after the third conviction.

The sale of certain types of alcohol is also regulated in Connecticut. For example, package stores are prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays, while restaurants and other on-premise establishments can sell alcohol from 10 am to 6 pm. Additionally, Connecticut is the only state with mandatory minimum pricing laws, which require retailers to sell alcohol at a minimum margin above wholesale cost and prohibit volume discounts.

Connecticut's alcohol market is vibrant, with numerous distilled spirits producers, breweries, and wineries. The state's strategic position between New York and Massachusetts makes it a middle-market alternative for consumers. Overall, the drinking laws in Connecticut aim to regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol, with a particular focus on enforcing minimum age requirements and preventing impaired driving.

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