When Beer O'clock Starts: State Laws Explained

The earliest time that you can buy beer varies depending on where you are in the world. In the United States, the minimum drinking age is 21, and federal alcohol restrictions apply to all states. However, local laws govern smaller jurisdictions, and states can restrict beer-selling hours. For example, in Mississippi, you can only buy beer between 10 am and 10 pm from Monday to Saturday, and alcohol sales are outlawed on Sundays and Christmas Day. In Texas, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine between 7 am and midnight from Monday to Friday, and from 7 am on Saturday until 1 am on Sunday morning. In contrast, liquor stores in Texas are only permitted to operate from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays.

Beer sales by time of day

Alabama

In Alabama, grocery and liquor stores can sell beer from 7 am to midnight, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, beer sales are permitted from 7 am to 1 am on Sunday mornings. On Sundays, beer sales are allowed from 10 am to midnight. However, alcohol sales are prohibited in several counties, known as dry counties.

Alaska

Alaska state law allows beer sales between 8 am and 5 am any day of the week. However, local jurisdictions may have more restrictive laws.

Arizona

In Arizona, beer can be purchased between 6 am and 2 am every day of the year.

Arkansas

Arkansas generally prohibits beer sales on Sundays and Christmas Day, with some exceptions. On other days, beer sales are allowed from 7 am to 1 am, Monday to Friday, and until midnight on Saturdays.

California

California permits beer sales from 6 am to 2 am every day of the year. However, individual cities and counties can impose additional restrictions.

Colorado

Colorado only allows beer sales at liquor stores and licensed drug stores. On-premises sales are permitted from 7 am to 2 am, while off-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to midnight.

Connecticut

There are no longer statewide prohibitions on Sunday beer sales in Connecticut, but local ordinances may restrict on-premises sales. On other days, beer can be sold from 9 am to 1 am (Monday to Thursday) and 9 am to 2 am (Friday and Saturday).

Delaware

Delaware prohibits beer sales on certain holidays, including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. On other days, beer sales are permitted from 9 am to 1 am in liquor stores, taprooms, and brewpubs. Large municipalities may impose stricter hours.

District of Columbia

Beer sales are allowed until 4 am on New Year's Eve and 3 am before federal and district holidays.

Florida

Florida prohibits beer sales between 1 am and 7 am, but counties can override this restriction.

Beer sales by day of the week

Monday

• In Texas, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer from 7 a.m. to midnight on Mondays.
• In Mississippi, beer can be purchased between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
• Arizona allows beer sales from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the year.

Tuesday

• Similar to Monday, Texas allows beer sales in grocery and convenience stores from 7 a.m. to midnight.
• In Iowa, beer sales are permitted from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays.
• In California, beer can be purchased on-premises or off-premises from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. any day of the year.

Wednesday

• Texas has the same regulations as Monday and Tuesday, with beer sales allowed in grocery and convenience stores from 7 a.m. to midnight.
• Mississippi and Arizona have consistent sales hours throughout the week, as mentioned above.
• In Idaho, beer can be purchased from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays.

Thursday

• Texas allows beer sales from 7 a.m. to midnight in grocery and convenience stores.
• Iowa permits beer sales from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursdays.
• Arizona's sales hours remain consistent at 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday

• In Texas, beer sales hours are extended on Fridays, with sales allowed from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday mornings.
• Iowa maintains its weekday sales hours on Fridays.
• Arizona also keeps the same sales hours throughout the week.

Saturday

• Texas allows beer sales from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays.
• Mississippi's sales hours remain the same on Saturdays.
• Arizona permits beer sales until 2 a.m.

Sunday

• In Texas, beer sales on Sundays begin later, from 10 a.m. to midnight.
• Mississippi prohibits alcohol sales on Sundays.
• Arizona allows Sunday sales from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

It is important to note that these laws can vary not only by state but also by county and even by local jurisdiction. Additionally, some states have different regulations for on-premises consumption (at bars or restaurants) and off-premises consumption (at grocery or liquor stores). It is always a good idea to check the specific laws for your location to ensure compliance.

Beer sales by type of business

Beer sales laws vary across the United States, with different states and counties having their own regulations. Here is a breakdown of beer sales by type of business:

Grocery and Convenience Stores

Grocery and convenience stores typically sell beer and wine, with some states allowing them to sell liquor as well. In Texas, for example, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, sales are permitted from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Liquor Stores

Liquor stores generally have more restricted hours than grocery or convenience stores. In Texas, liquor stores are permitted to operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays. In California, liquor is only available at liquor stores and licensed drug stores.

On-Premises Businesses (Bars and Restaurants)

The sale of beer for on-premises consumption, such as in bars and restaurants, also varies by location. In Texas, on-premises sales are allowed from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Friday, and 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, sales can begin at 10 a.m. and continue until midnight if food is served. Certain bars and restaurants in Texas can obtain a "late hours" permit, allowing them to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. any night of the week.

Off-Premises Businesses

Off-premises sales refer to the purchase of beer, wine, or liquor to-go from a liquor, grocery, or convenience store. In Texas, off-premises sales hours for beer and wine are the same as those for grocery and convenience stores. In Mississippi, off-premises sales of beer are restricted to between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays and Christmas Day.

Beer sales by alcohol content

Beer sales are subject to a complex system of federal, state, and local laws in the United States. While federal alcohol restrictions apply to all states, local laws govern smaller jurisdictions. These laws regulate different aspects of beer consumption and purchase, including the minimum drinking age and alcohol licenses and permits.

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act, enacted in 1984, prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21. This law applies to all states in the mainland US, while some territories, such as the US Minor Outlying Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands, have also adopted a minimum drinking age of 21.

In terms of alcohol content restrictions, states have the authority to regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages based on their alcohol content, usually measured in alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, California allows the sale of alcohol up to 60% ABV, while anything above this limit is sold in drugstores or pharmacies.

Beer sales restrictions also vary by state. Many states restrict the times of day when retailers can sell beer, and some states prohibit alcohol sales on certain days, such as Sundays or Christmas Day.

Beer sales can be categorised into on-premises sales, where beverages are consumed within the retailer's premises (bars and restaurants), and off-premises sales, where drinks are purchased to go (liquor or grocery stores). Additionally, some states restrict sales hours based on alcohol type or content.

Understanding the specific laws and regulations governing beer sales in each state is essential for both consumers and retailers to ensure compliance and responsible drinking.

Beer sales by state

The United States uses a complex system of federal, state, and local laws to govern how we buy and consume beer. While federal alcohol restrictions apply to all states, local laws govern smaller jurisdictions. These laws include the minimum drinking age, alcohol licenses, and permits.

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act, enacted in 1984, prohibits people under 21 from buying, drinking, or possessing alcoholic beverages. However, this law didn't take effect in many states until 1988, and some territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have retained 18 as their minimum drinking age.

In addition to age restrictions, states can also regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages based on alcohol content. For example, California allows the sale of alcohol up to 60% ABV, while anything above that is sold in drugstores or pharmacies.

Let's take a look at the beer sales restrictions and hours in different states:

• Mississippi: Beer can only be purchased between 10 am and 10 pm from Monday to Saturday. Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays and Christmas Day.
• Texas: Beer sales hours vary depending on the type of business premises and the day of the week. On-premises sales, such as bars and restaurants, are allowed from 7 am to midnight from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 1 am on Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday. Off-premises sales, such as liquor or grocery stores, follow different hours: 10 am to midnight on Sunday, 7 am to midnight from Monday to Friday, and 7 am to 1 am on Saturday.
• Other states: The article provides a table with varying beer sales restrictions for different states, with some allowing sales from 6 am to 2 am daily, while others have more restricted hours, such as only allowing sales until midnight or 1 am.

It's important to note that these laws are subject to change, and local jurisdictions within a state may have their own variations. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific laws and regulations in your state and local area.

Frequently asked questions