Tampa's Nighttime Beer Buying Hours Explained

The last possible time to buy beer in Tampa depends on the day of the week. On Sundays, beer can be purchased from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday, the hours are extended by four hours, with beer available from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.

However, it is important to note that the days and hours of alcohol sales are primarily determined by the laws of Florida's counties and cities. For example, in Hillsborough County, legal alcohol sale times are from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sundays.

Tampa's Sunday alcohol sales laws

In Tampa, Florida, the sale of alcohol is prohibited between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. every day. However, the sale of alcohol is further restricted on Sundays, with sales prohibited until 11 a.m. This restriction was lifted in 2021, allowing alcohol sales from 7 a.m. on Sundays, the same as the rest of the week.

These laws are known as "blue laws", which are intended to restrict activity on Sundays to respect the Christian Sabbath. In Tampa, blue laws have been enforced since the 1890s, originally prohibiting the opening of saloons on Sundays. Over time, these laws have been relaxed, with the City Council voting to change the legal sales time from 1 p.m. to 11 a.m. in 2003, and then to 7 a.m. in 2021.

It is important to note that local ordinances may impose additional restrictions on alcohol sales, so it is advisable to check with local authorities for specific guidelines. For example, in unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County, alcohol cannot be purchased before 11 a.m. on Sundays, while in the City of Tampa, alcohol sales are allowed from 7 a.m. Additionally, some retailers may choose to implement their own policies regarding alcohol sales, as seen with Publix supermarkets.

The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Florida is 21 years or older, with strict penalties for violations, including fines and jail time. Employees must be at least 18 years old to sell or serve alcohol, and those under 18 are not allowed in establishments that primarily sell alcohol.

County-specific alcohol sales laws

Florida's alcohol sales laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to purchasing alcohol on Sundays. While the state sets default hours for alcohol sales, it's important to note that Florida's counties and cities have jurisdiction over the days and hours of alcohol sales. This means that the specific rules and regulations can vary from one county to another, and even within different cities in the same county.

In Hillsborough County, which includes the City of Tampa, the legal alcohol sale times are generally from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sundays. However, there are some exceptions to these rules. For example, bars in the county can sell alcohol until 2 a.m., and there are also exceptions for hotels, motels, restaurants serving alcoholic beverages, and convenience stores. Additionally, within the City of Tampa, alcohol can be purchased before 11 a.m. on Sundays, unlike in the unincorporated areas of the county.

In Pinellas County, alcohol sales are not permitted after midnight on Saturday nights, and sales are only allowed from 8 a.m. on Sundays. However, this may vary depending on the city within the county, as some cities have different regulations.

Polk County previously had restrictions on alcohol sales on Sundays, but these laws have been changed, and beer and wine can now be purchased from 7 a.m. on Sundays.

Miami-Dade County is one of the few counties in Florida that allows 24-hour alcohol sales seven days a week.

These variations in county-specific laws highlight the importance of checking the specific regulations in your county or city, as they may differ from the state-level defaults or neighbouring jurisdictions.

Alcohol sales in restaurants and bars

The sale of alcohol in restaurants and bars in Tampa, Florida, is governed by a set of laws and regulations. While the laws may vary from county to county, there are some general rules that apply to the sale of alcohol in the city.

In Tampa, the sale of alcohol in restaurants and bars is typically allowed from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is permitted from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. These hours were updated ahead of the Super Bowl in 2021, which was hosted in Tampa. Prior to this change, the sale of alcohol on Sundays was prohibited before 11 a.m.

It is important to note that these hours may vary depending on the specific county and city regulations. For example, in Pinellas County, the sale of alcohol is not permitted after midnight on Saturday until 8 a.m. on Sunday morning. Additionally, some counties in Florida, such as Miami-Dade, allow 24-hour alcohol sales seven days a week.

The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Florida is 21 years or older. The penalties for violating alcohol laws in the state can be severe, with even a first violation resulting in a felony charge, a $500 fine, and up to 60 days in jail. Buying alcohol with a forged ID or lending someone an ID can result in a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to $5,000.

In terms of where alcohol can be purchased in Tampa, beer, wine, and liqueurs are available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and retail stores. Spirits or liquors, on the other hand, are sold in retail package stores, also known as "liquor stores." Some grocery stores may have a liquor store attached, making it convenient for customers to purchase both groceries and alcohol in one location.

Buying alcohol in supermarkets and retail stores

In Tampa, Florida, the sale of alcohol is restricted by what are known as 'blue laws', which were originally intended to set aside Sundays for religious observation. In the past, these laws have prohibited the sale of alcohol on Sundays until 1 pm, and later, until 11 am. In 2021, the Tampa City Council voted to allow the sale of alcohol from 7 am on Sundays, bringing it in line with the rest of the week.

In Florida, you can buy beer, wine, and liqueurs in convenience stores, supermarkets, and retail stores. Spirits or liquors are sold in retail package stores. Alcohol cannot be sold between 3 am and 7 am, although some counties are permitted to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The days and hours of alcohol sales are primarily under the jurisdiction of Florida's counties and cities, so there is some variation. For example, insection Miami-Dade County, 24-hour sales are permitted seven days a week. In Hillsborough County, legal alcohol sale times are from 7 am to 3 am Monday to Saturday, and 11 am to 3 am on Sundays. In Pinellas County, alcohol sales stop as soon as Saturday night becomes Sunday morning.

Some grocery stores in Tampa have a liquor store attached, and groceries also sell wine and beer.

Liquor stores in Tampa

In Tampa, Florida, the legal alcohol sale times are from 7 am to 3 am Monday to Saturday, and 11 am to 3 am on Sundays. Here is a list of some of the liquor stores in Tampa:

Total Wine & More

This store is located at 1720 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa and is open Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm. They offer a wide range of wine, spirits, beer, cigars, and accessories.

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is a family-owned retailer with a location in West Tampa and several other stores across Florida. They offer a wide selection of wine, spirits, and beer.

Gaspar's Liquor Shoppe

Gaspar's Liquor Shoppe is known for being more than just a liquor store. They have a wide selection of products and a knowledgeable staff. They are located in Tampa, Florida.

Jug & Bottle Department

Jug & Bottle Department is a well-lit and well-stocked liquor store located in Seminole Heights, Tampa.

Duckweed Urban Grocery & Liquor Store Westshore

Duckweed is Tampa's first downtown grocer, offering grocery necessities and a selection of liquor.

Whiskey Willy's

Whiskey Willy's is a typical liquor store selling all the essentials for drink nights. It is located in Town & Country, Tampa.

Luekens Wine & Spirits

Luekens Wine & Spirits is a well-laid-out and well-lit liquor store near Seminole Heights, Tampa.

Frequently asked questions