Last Call For Beer In Mississippi: Know The Legal Hours

Mississippi has some of the most convoluted alcohol laws in the US. While it is not a dry state, many of its counties are, and the state has a government alcohol monopoly on spirits with an ABV of over 14%. So, how late can you buy beer in Mississippi? Well, that depends on where you are in the state. In general, beer can be bought for off-premise consumption 24/7, and on-premise beer sales are limited to 7 am until midnight. However, these hours can be changed by the local government, and some areas allow all alcohol sales 24/7.

Beer and light wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores 24/7

Beer and light wine are available for purchase at grocery and convenience stores in Mississippi 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is because, in Mississippi, beer is not considered an "alcoholic beverage" and is therefore regulated differently from distilled spirits and wine.

Products that are wine-based and have an alcohol content of less than 5% by weight are regulated like beer and are known as light wine products. These include wine coolers, which are typically found in the market. Spirits-based products with an alcohol content of 6% by weight or less are also regulated in the same way as beer.

However, beer and light wine cannot be sold in package stores, and alcoholic beverages cannot be sold in convenience or grocery stores. Alcoholic beverages are defined as either distilled spirits containing more than 6% alcohol by weight or wine products containing more than 5% alcohol by weight. These are typically sold in package stores.

While Mississippi is not a dry state, it does have some of the most complex alcohol laws in the country. Many of its counties are allowed to vote on whether they are wet or dry. As of 2023, 23 out of 82 counties were fully dry, and several others were partially dry, meaning they may be dry for just beer/light wine or alcoholic beverages.

The hours for alcohol sales in Mississippi can vary by location and are subject to change by the local government. On-premise beer sales are typically limited to 7 a.m. until midnight, while off-premise alcohol sales are generally permitted between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Liquor stores are usually closed on Sundays and Christmas Day, and alcohol sales at these stores are not allowed on those days. However, there are some areas in Mississippi that allow all alcohol sales 24/7.

Wine and spirits are only sold at liquor stores

Mississippi's alcohol laws are notoriously complex. The state has tight control over liquor laws, and until recently, the default was for counties to be dry. While Mississippi is no longer a dry state, it does let counties vote to return to being dry. Of 82 counties, 23 are fully dry.

The sale of wine and spirits is also restricted to those over 21 years of age. Minors between 18 and 20 can drink beer with the permission of their parent or legal guardian, but this does not include wine or spirits.

Mississippi is a control state, meaning that the state is the only wholesaler of wine and spirits. This is in contrast to beer and light wine, which can be purchased in gas stations and grocery stores 24/7, depending on the county.

Alcohol sales are restricted in some Mississippi counties

Mississippi has some of the most convoluted alcohol laws in the US. While it is not a dry state, many of its counties are. Of its 82 counties, 23 are fully dry, and several others are partially dry. This means that they may be dry for just beer/light wine or alcoholic beverages.

The hours during which alcohol can be sold also vary across the state. In Mississippi, you can buy beer for off-premise consumption 24/7. On-premise beer sales are limited to 7 a.m. until midnight. Off-premise alcohol sales are legal between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. On-premise alcohol sales are legal from 10 a.m. until midnight. Alcohol sales at liquor stores are not typically allowed on Sundays. However, these hours can be changed by the local government and are different across the state.

In March 2024, the Mississippi House passed a bill to allow liquor sales on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. This bill would automatically grant package stores in wet areas the option to sell on Sunday afternoons. However, counties and municipalities can opt out of Sunday sales if 20% of voters or 1,500 voters (whichever is less) sign a petition for an election.

On-premise alcohol sales are allowed from 7 am to midnight

In Mississippi, on-premise alcohol sales are allowed from 7 am to midnight. This means that alcohol can be sold and served for consumption on the premises, such as in bars and restaurants, during this time. However, it's important to note that these hours may vary across different counties and localities in Mississippi. Local governments have the authority to restrict, but not extend, the hours for on-premise alcohol sales.

On-premise alcohol sales refer to the sale of alcoholic beverages that are intended to be consumed at the location where they are purchased, such as bars, restaurants, breweries, and taprooms. These establishments are allowed to sell beer, wine, and liquor within the specified time frame.

It's worth noting that Mississippi has complex alcohol regulations, and the hours for alcohol sales may differ depending on the type of retailer and the day of the week. For example, off-premise alcohol sales, where alcohol is purchased to be consumed elsewhere, are typically allowed from 10 am to 10 pm. Additionally, liquor stores are usually closed on Sundays and Christmas Day.

Mississippi also has dry counties where the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited. These dry counties can vary over time as they are determined by local elections. As of 2023, there were 23 fully dry counties in Mississippi out of 82 total counties.

The state's alcohol laws can be subject to change, and it's always a good idea to stay informed about the latest regulations. While Mississippi may have strict alcohol control measures, there are still opportunities to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages within the specified time frames and locations.

The minimum drinking age in Mississippi is 21

In Mississippi, the legal drinking age for beer and alcohol is 21 years old. This means that only those aged 21 and over can purchase alcoholic beverages in the state.

The drinking laws in Mississippi have changed over time. In the past, there were no age restrictions on alcohol consumption in colonial America, and it was common for young teenagers to drink alcohol in taverns. After the ratification of the 21st amendment in 1933, most states set the drinking age at 21, as this was the voting age at the time. In the early 1970s, many states lowered the drinking age to 18, following the passing of the 26th amendment, which lowered the voting age. However, in 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed, requiring states to raise the drinking age to 21 by 1986. Mississippi, along with all 50 states and the District of Columbia, complied with this mandate.

In Mississippi, there is an exception to the drinking age law for those aged 18-21 who are in the presence of their parent or legal guardian. With the consent of their parent or guardian, individuals in this age group are allowed to consume beer, but not hard liquor or wine products with an alcohol content of more than 5%. Additionally, those aged 18 and above who are serving in the U.S. military can possess and consume beer on military property where it is permitted.

It is important to note that Mississippi has strict laws regarding false identification and underage drinking. Minors convicted of using false identification to purchase alcohol can face fines of up to $500 and community service. Providing fake IDs to minors is a felony, punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and jail time. If caught with beer or alcoholic beverages, minors will have a violation on their record, and may face fines, community service, and suspension of their driver's license.

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