Buying Beer In Georgia: Sunday Sales Law Explained

The laws surrounding alcohol sales in Georgia are complex and vary depending on the county and city. While Georgia is not a dry state, it does have several dry counties that restrict the sale of alcohol. In most of Georgia, alcohol can be purchased on Sundays, but the hours vary depending on the jurisdiction. State law allows alcohol sales from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm on Sundays, but some counties and cities have more restrictive laws or prohibit Sunday sales altogether. Licensed retailers are only permitted to sell alcohol at certain times, which are determined by each county.

Beer can be bought in Georgia on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m

Yes, beer can be bought in Georgia on Sundays, but only during specific hours. On Sundays, beer may be sold from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. These hours apply to off-premises consumption, which includes retailers such as gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, breweries, and taprooms. On-premise consumption regulations vary by county and some jurisdictions have a ""brunch law" that allows bars and restaurants to serve alcohol earlier, starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays.

It is important to note that the sale of alcohol in Georgia is regulated by the state and local jurisdictions, and there are dry counties where alcohol sales are prohibited altogether. Additionally, the hours for alcohol sales may differ slightly depending on the county. While the state sets the earliest and latest sales times, counties can restrict permitted alcohol sale hours but cannot allow retail sales outside of the state-mandated times.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Georgia have evolved over time, with Sunday alcohol sales being banned in most of the state until 2011 when cities and counties voted to end the ban. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to some changes in alcohol policies, with restaurants being allowed to sell to-go cocktails and retail stores permitted to deliver beer, wine, and liquor.

Some counties in Georgia prohibit Sunday beer sales

In Georgia, the sale of alcohol is regulated by the state, which allows local jurisdictions to set more restrictive rules. While the state permits the sale of alcohol on Sundays between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm, some counties have prohibited Sunday sales altogether.

Georgia is not a dry state, but it does have dry counties, where alcohol sales are restricted or prohibited. As of 2023, there were 12 dry counties in Georgia: Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, Butts, Decatur, and Upson. In these counties, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays, and some prohibit sales on other days as well, such as Christmas Day.

The laws regarding alcohol sales vary across Georgia, with different rules for on-premise and off-premise consumption. On-premise consumption regulations are determined by each county and can vary significantly. For off-premise consumption, licensed retailers are permitted to sell alcohol between 8:00 am and 11:45 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, off-premise sales are restricted to between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm. These times may change depending on the county, as counties can restrict permitted alcohol sale hours but cannot allow retail sales outside of the state-specified times.

The variety of alcohol laws across Georgia can be confusing for residents and visitors alike. It is essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues or fines.

Beer can be purchased in gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores

Yes, beer can be purchased in gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores in Georgia. However, there are certain restrictions in place.

Firstly, these retailers are only permitted to sell alcohol at certain times. From Monday to Saturday, alcohol sales in Georgia cannot begin earlier than 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. and must end by 11:45 p.m. On Sundays, beer may be sold from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Secondly, there are some "dry counties" in Georgia that do not allow the sale of alcohol. These include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, and White Counties. While White County is dry, the city of Helen is not. Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption but allow off-site consumption. Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but permits alcohol service in bars and restaurants.

It is important to note that the sale of alcohol is also determined by local jurisdictions, which may impose additional restrictions. For example, some counties may require bars to close earlier than the state-mandated time.

Therefore, while beer can generally be purchased at gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores in Georgia, it is advisable to check the specific regulations of the county and jurisdiction you are in.

Liquor stores are closed on Sundays

In Georgia, liquor stores are closed on Sundays. While the state allows the sale of alcohol on Sundays between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm, individual counties have the power to prohibit Sunday alcohol sales. As a result, there are some counties in Georgia where liquor stores are closed for business on Sundays.

Georgia's alcohol laws can be confusing because the state allows local jurisdictions to set their own, more restrictive rules. While state law sets the earliest and latest sales times, individual counties can further restrict the hours in which alcohol can be sold.

From Monday to Saturday, alcohol sales in Georgia cannot begin earlier than 7 am or 8 am and must end by 11:45 pm for gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, breweries, and taprooms. On Sundays, these off-premises retailers are restricted to selling alcohol between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm.

Bars and restaurants have slightly different rules. In some jurisdictions, a "brunch law" allows alcohol service to begin at 11 am on Sundays. However, they must still stop serving alcohol by 11:30 pm. On other days of the week, bars and restaurants can start selling alcohol as early as 9 am and must stop by 2 am.

While liquor stores are closed on Sundays in some counties, it's important to note that Georgia used to ban Sunday alcohol sales across most of the state. In 2011, cities and counties voted on whether to continue this ban, and 105 out of 127 communities chose to end it. This change allowed many liquor stores to open on Sundays, but some counties still maintain the ban.

The variation in alcohol laws across different counties in Georgia can be frustrating for residents and visitors alike. It is always a good idea to check the local laws before purchasing alcohol, especially on Sundays, to avoid any confusion or disappointment.

Minors can drink with parental consent at home

In Georgia, it is legal to buy beer on Sundays between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm, but this may vary depending on the county. Some counties do not allow alcohol sales at all on Sundays.

In Georgia, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to "purchase, attempt to purchase, or knowingly possess any alcoholic beverage". However, there is an exception to this rule: minors are allowed to drink alcohol in the presence of their parents or guardians, as long as they are at the guardian's home. This exception also applies to the furnishing of alcoholic beverages to minors, which can only be done by the parent or guardian in their private residence.

While it is legal for minors to drink at home with parental supervision and permission, it is important to note that providing alcohol to minors who are not your own is illegal. Several Georgia counties and municipalities have "social host laws" in place to protect minors from underage drinking parties. If law enforcement can prove that the host knowingly held an underage drinking party, they may face charges, fines, community service, or even jail time.

In addition to the parental consent exception, there are two other possible exceptions to the minimum drinking age in Georgia: if the minor has a prescription from an authorized physician, or if the alcohol is consumed as part of a religious ceremony.

Frequently asked questions