Beer Buying In Connecticut: Case Limit Explained

If you're planning a party in Connecticut, you'll need to know the state's alcohol laws. The state has specific time ranges when the sale of alcohol is legal, and these differ for on-premise and off-premise consumption. On-premise sales refer to bars and restaurants, while off-premise sales refer to liquor and grocery stores. In Connecticut, off-premise sales are legal from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. On-premise sales 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.

Connecticut is not a dry state, but until 2014, the town of Bridgewater was the last dry town in the state. Now, alcohol can be purchased in restaurants in Bridgewater, but it's worth noting that individual towns may set more restrictive hours for alcohol sales.

So, how many cases of beer can you buy? Well, that depends on the type of alcohol and the type of store. Beer breweries can sell up to 9 litres per person per day, while breweries that produce all types of alcohol are limited to 1.5 litres per person, with a maximum of 5 gallons in a two-month period.

Beer can be purchased in liquor stores, Monday to Saturday

Beer lovers in Connecticut can rejoice, as the state offers a wide range of options for purchasing their favourite beverage. The state's alcohol market is quite vibrant, with over 120 breweries contributing to its diversity. Beer can be purchased in liquor stores, also known as package stores, which are typically open from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday. This means that beer enthusiasts have a dedicated window of time each day to stock up on their preferred brews.

While Sunday beer sales were previously prohibited in Connecticut, a law change in 2012 allowed package stores to open their doors on Sundays as well. This change sparked initial concerns among liquor store owners, who worried that customers would opt to buy beer from grocery stores on Sundays instead of making a separate trip to their stores. However, research has shown that these fears were largely unfounded, with no significant adverse effects on liquor stores following the law change.

Liquor stores in Connecticut offer a convenient option for beer enthusiasts to purchase their desired brews. These stores are easily accessible and provide a wide range of choices, ensuring that customers can find their favourite beers or explore new options. The dedicated hours for beer sales in these stores also help regulate the market and ensure compliance with alcohol regulations.

In addition to liquor stores, beer can also be purchased at grocery stores and gas stations in Connecticut. However, the hours for off-premise sales in these establishments may vary. Grocery stores, for example, can sell beer during their regular operating hours, while gas stations typically offer beer from 8 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. These options provide added flexibility and convenience for consumers, especially those who may prefer to purchase beer along with their groceries or while fuelling up their vehicles.

Beer is available in bars, Monday to Saturday

Beer is available in bars in Connecticut from 9 am until 1 am, Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. These hours are the same for both on-premise and off-premise sales. On-premise sales refer to alcohol intended to be consumed on the premises, such as in bars and restaurants. Off-premise sales refer to alcohol intended to be consumed elsewhere, such as in liquor and grocery stores.

Connecticut is not a dry state, but it does have some interesting alcohol laws. For example, alcohol cannot be sold in package stores on Sundays, but it can be sold at restaurants and other on-premise establishments from 10 am to 6 pm. Grocery stores are only permitted to sell beer, and not wine or spirits.

The state has a unique regulatory framework as the only state in the country with mandatory minimum pricing laws. These laws require retailers to sell at a minimum margin above the wholesale cost and prohibit volume discounts to retailers. Connecticut also has a three-tier system for selling alcohol, with wholesalers or importers in the middle tier, who buy products from lower-tier suppliers and manufacturers and then sell them to distributors.

The state's alcohol industry is vibrant and varied, with over 40 distilled spirits producers and bottlers, more than 120 breweries, and over 40 wineries. The minimum drinking age in Connecticut is 21, but minors are allowed to drink with the consent and supervision of their parents.

Beer is sold 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 may vary slightly depending on the town and any additional local restrictions. For example, the sale of alcohol is not permitted on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Additionally, individual towns may impose more restrictive hours.

It's worth noting that while Connecticut allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays, it initially sparked concerns among liquor store owners that it would negatively impact their businesses. However, a study by UConn researchers found that there were no significant adverse effects on liquor stores following the change in law.

Connecticut has a vibrant alcohol market, with over 120 breweries contributing to its variety and appeal. The state also has unique regulatory frameworks, such as mandatory minimum pricing laws, which require retailers to sell at a minimum margin above wholesale cost and prohibit volume discounts to retailers.

Gas stations sell beer

Gas stations in Connecticut can sell beer, but only between 8 am and 10 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, beer sales at gas stations are restricted to the hours of 10 am to 6 pm. All beer sold at gas stations must be in sealed containers, and gas stations are not permitted to sell any other type of alcohol.

Connecticut's alcohol market is unique, with mandatory minimum pricing laws that require retailers to sell at a minimum margin above the wholesale cost and prohibit volume discounts to retailers. The state also has a three-tier system for selling alcohol, where wholesalers or importers buy from suppliers and manufacturers, then sell the products to distributors, who in turn sell them to retailers.

The state's alcohol laws can be quite complex and vary from county to county, so it's always good to check the local regulations. For example, the township of Bridgewater was dry until 2014, but now allows the sale of alcohol in restaurants.

Connecticut also has specific hours when the sale of alcohol is legal, with on-premise and off-premise sales having different restrictions. On-premise sales refer to bars and restaurants, while off-premise sales refer to liquor and grocery stores.

While individual towns may set more restrictive hours, the state's default hours for selling alcohol are between 9 am and 10 pm, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, off-premise sales are restricted to 10 am to 6 pm, while on-premise sales are allowed from 10 am to 2 am.

It's worth noting that public health guidelines can also impact the sale of alcohol, and these can change based on CDC recommendations and case numbers.

You can get beer delivered

If you're in Connecticut and are craving a beer, you're in luck! You can get beer delivered straight to your door.

Grocery Delivery

Grocery stores in Connecticut are permitted to deliver beer, but only during specific hours. On Monday to Friday, beer deliveries are allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Food Delivery

If you're ordering from a restaurant, you can get beer delivered, but only if you also order food. The restaurant must have an on-premises permit to sell alcohol, and the same hours for delivery apply as with grocery stores.

Package Stores

Package stores, or liquor stores, can also deliver beer to your door. Connecticut has over 80 liquor store partners, so you can easily find a store near you. These stores can deliver beer, wine, liquor, and other alcohol products.

Beer Producers

Some breweries in Connecticut also offer direct beer delivery to your home. This option became popular during the pandemic when restrictions were loosened, and some breweries have continued this service. There are a variety of breweries to choose from, and many have a minimum order amount.

Alcohol Delivery Services

There are also dedicated alcohol delivery services that operate in Connecticut, such as Drizly and Minibar Delivery. These services partner with local liquor retailers and allow you to browse and order from a wide selection of beer, wine, and liquor. They typically deliver within 30 to 60 minutes, and you can expect a small delivery fee.

So, whether you're looking for a craft beer, a six-pack, or something else, you have a variety of options to get beer delivered right to your doorstep in Connecticut.

Frequently asked questions