Boston Beer Buying Guide: Legal And Local

Boston, Massachusetts, has a vibrant and diverse alcohol scene, with craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries. The state has strict alcohol laws, including a restriction on the number of liquor licenses a single business entity can hold. This law was changed in 2011 to increase the number of licenses from three to five, with additional increases in 2016 and 2020. Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, but hard liquor is not sold in grocery stores. Alcohol can be purchased seven days a week, but with limited sales times on Sundays. On-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcohol on Sundays. The last call in most pubs is between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM.

Where to buy beer in Boston, MA

Boston has a thriving beer culture, with a wide range of options for purchasing beer. Here are some of the top places to buy beer in Boston, Massachusetts:

The Wine Emporium on Tremont

Located in the South End, The Wine Emporium offers a good selection of beers, including the option to special request certain beers.

Bacco’s Wine and Cheese

Bacco’s Wine and Cheese in Back Bay offers a fun selection of East Coast beers, as well as wines and cheeses.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More allows you to buy beer by the bottle, which is great if you want to try something new without committing to a six-pack. They also offer delivery and friendly, knowledgeable service.

Happy Market & Spirits

Happy Market & Spirits in Jamaica Plain is a locally owned and operated shop that offers a wide range of products, including fine wines, craft beers, and quality meats.

Federal Wine & Spirits

Federal Wine & Spirits is a small, well-stocked, locally owned shop located near the Aquarium T stop and the Old State House. They carry a wide range of products, including vodka, Scotch, and wine.

Martignetti's Liquor Store

Martignetti's Liquor Store is located at the corner of Hanover Street and the new Greenway.

7-11

Convenience store 7-11, located just down the street from the Aquarium, sells beer, wine, and liquor.

Dorchester Brewing Co.

Dorchester Brewing Co. has a 9,000-square-foot space that includes a taproom, gameroom, restaurant, and an all-season rooftop greenhouse called the Hopservatory, offering city views. They have 20 of their freshest brews on tap at any given time, including IPAs, porters, and cream ales.

Trillium Brewing Company

While Trillium's main brewery is located in Canton, MA, they have multiple locations in Boston, including a three-level brewpub in Fort Point, a seasonal beer garden on the Greenway, and a seasonal Fenway location featuring experimental brews.

Notch

Notch, America's first exclusively session-forward brewer, has a new location at the former Charles River Speedway in Brighton. Their tap highlights 10 to 14 beers, including session beer styles from around the world and full-strength beers from their Voll Projekt. They also have a gigantic biergarten that's open year-round.

Night Shift Brewing

Night Shift Brewing in Everett has a diverse portfolio, including lagers, IPAs, milk stouts, saisons, weisses, porters, small-batch limited releases, and hard seltzers. They offer flights, pints, and cans, as well as donation-based tours. They also have two beer gardens along the Charles River in Allston and on the Esplanade, as well as a location next to TD Garden with a full kitchen.

Harpoon

Harpoon, located in Boston's Seaport, has been a staple of the neighborhood for over 30 years. They offer IPAs, hefeweizens, stouts, and more. Enjoy a freshly poured beer and a giant pretzel in their lively Beer Hall, or head to the outdoor Keg Yard, which is open seasonally. They also offer popular tours, with proceeds going to charity.

Buying beer in supermarkets

Firstly, it is important to note that beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores, but not hard liquor. Secondly, there is a restriction on the number of licenses a single business entity can hold to sell alcohol. This law was changed in 2011 to increase the number of licenses from three to five, with an additional $5,000 state fee per license over three. This number has been increasing gradually and will continue to do so, reaching nine in 2020.

This means that some grocery stores will sell beer and wine, and some will not. For example, some Trader Joe's stores in Cambridge sell beer and wine, while others do not. The same is true for Stop & Shop, which has three stores in Massachusetts that sell alcohol: Malden, Quincy, and Hingham.

Some grocery stores have separate, small businesses within the bigger store that sell beer and wine, such as Shaw's in Boston, where you will need to check out separately. Other stores that sell beer and wine include Wegman's, Roche Bros, and Target near Fenway.

It is always worth checking with the specific store, as the laws can be confusing, and they vary from town to town.

Boston liquor laws

The sale of alcohol in Boston, Massachusetts, is governed by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The state has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the US, and these laws apply equally to residents and visitors.

Buying Alcohol

In Massachusetts, you can buy beer and wine at grocery and convenience stores from 8 am to 11 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol sales can only take place between 10 am and 11 pm. No alcohol sales can take place before noon on Sundays. Alcohol cannot be sold on election days while polls are open.

You can buy beer, wine, and liquor at gas stations in Massachusetts. However, hard liquor is not available in grocery stores.

Drinking Alcohol

The minimum drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess alcohol, except in the presence of a consenting parent or guardian, or their spouse who is 21 or older. It is also illegal for those under 21 to buy alcohol or to drive a car with alcohol inside unless accompanied by a legal guardian.

On-Premises Consumption

Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from 8 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 2 am on Sundays. Local officials can extend closing hours up to 2 am.

Happy hours are illegal in Massachusetts, and bars and restaurants are prohibited from offering discounts on alcoholic beverages.

Driving and Alcohol

Open containers of alcohol are illegal in vehicles and must be kept in the trunk. The state's maximum blood alcohol level is 0.08% and 0.02% for drivers under 21. Driving under the influence is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors in Massachusetts

If you're looking to buy beer in Boston, Massachusetts, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you can purchase liquor at stores seven days a week, but Sundays have limited sales times. Most stores are open from 8 am to 11 pm, and on Sundays, they're open from noon to 6 pm. You can also buy beer, wine, and liquor at grocery stores and gas stations in Massachusetts.

Now, let's take a look at some of the top alcoholic beverage distributors in Massachusetts:

Massachusetts has a vibrant and diverse beverage alcohol industry, with many independent alcohol retailers. The state has approximately 3,000 off-premise spirits licenses, with 1,800 of them belonging to standalone beverage alcohol stores. The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) regulates all aspects of alcohol in the state, including production, selling, and consumption.

• 21st Century Wine Co: A wine distributor located in Massachusetts.
• Abacus Distributors: A distributor of alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts.
• AJ Lukes Importing & Dist: This company imports and distributes alcoholic beverages in the state.
• Arborway Imports: Another importer and distributor of alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts.
• Atlantic Beverage Distributors: This distributor focuses on delivering craft beer, craft spirits, and fine wine. They are committed to maintaining high ethical standards and respect for their employees, families, and the community.
• Horizon Beverage: Horizon Beverage has been connecting beverage brands to retailers, bars, and restaurants since 1933. They offer various services, including beverage program management, store openings, menu planning, and staff training.
• Martignetti Companies: One of the larger distributors in Massachusetts, with multiple locations across the state.
• United Liquors: Another major distributor with a presence in Massachusetts.
• Beer Distributors of Massachusetts: This is a professional trade association representing thirteen beer distribution companies in the state. They support their members by representing the industry and being a voice for distributors.

This list provides a snapshot of the diverse range of alcoholic beverage distributors operating in Massachusetts, each contributing to the state's thriving alcohol industry.

Buying alcohol in Massachusetts

Where to Buy Alcohol

Alcohol can be purchased from standalone beverage alcohol stores, some grocery stores, and some gas stations. Alcohol is also available at sports bars and pubs, which are known as 'on-premise locations'.

When to Buy Alcohol

Alcohol can be purchased between the hours of 8 am and 11 pm. On Sundays, sales are limited, with most stores open from noon to 6 pm.

Alcohol Excise Tax

When buying alcohol in Massachusetts, you will be subject to an excise tax, which varies depending on the type of drink:

• Still Wine: $0.55 per gallon
• Sparkling Wine: $0.70 per gallon
• Beer/Malt: $0.11 per gallon
• Cider (3% to 6% abv): $0.03 per gallon
• Liquor: $4.05 per gallon

Buying Alcohol in Boston

In Boston, MA, there are several places to buy alcohol, including Federal Wine & Spirits on State Street, Martignetti's Liquor Store on Hanover Street, and the 7-11 near the Aquarium.

Buying Alcohol in Other Parts of Massachusetts

Outside of Boston, there are varying rules and regulations regarding alcohol sales in different towns and cities. For example, in Worcester, there is a Price Chopper that sells beer and wine, while in Pittsfield, Big Y's has a similar offering. In Malden, Quincy, and Hingham, there are Stop & Shop stores that sell alcohol.

Changes in Alcohol Laws

Massachusetts alcohol laws have evolved over time. In 2011, the state legislature increased the number of licenses that a single business entity could hold from three to five, with an additional $5,000 state fee per license over three. This number has continued to increase, reaching seven in 2016 and nine in 2020.

Unique Drinking Trends in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a strong sports culture, and tailgating and sports bars are an integral part of the state's drinking traditions. Additionally, the state has a penchant for 50ml products, with sales ranging between 7% and 15% of a store's overall sales.

Frequently asked questions