Beer And Gas: States Where You Can Buy Beer

The sale of beer, wine, and spirits in the United States is regulated by each state, resulting in a variety of laws that govern where and when alcohol can be purchased. While the drinking age is uniform across the country, the laws regarding the sale of alcohol in gas stations vary by state and even by county. Some states, such as California, Nevada, and Arizona, allow the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages in gas stations, while others, like Maryland, Rhode Island, and Alaska, prohibit the sale of alcohol in all grocery stores. In some states, only beer and wine can be sold in gas stations, while others have no restrictions on the types of alcohol sold. Additionally, the hours during which alcohol can be sold vary by state and county, with some allowing 24-hour sales and others imposing restrictions on late-night or early morning purchases.

Beer and wine availability in gas stations

Some states, such as California, Nevada, and Arizona, allow the sale of beer and wine in gas stations. In these states, it is common to find alcoholic beverages in gas stations and convenience stores. However, this is not the case in all states. For example, in Indiana, the sale of cold beer by gas stations is prohibited, and only liquor stores are permitted to sell cold beer.

The availability of beer and wine in gas stations also depends on local regulations. For instance, in some states like Utah, liquor sales are controlled by the state, and beer and wine may only be available in state-licensed liquor stores rather than gas stations. Additionally, there are "dry counties" in some states, such as Alabama, where the sale of alcohol is prohibited altogether, although possession and consumption may still be allowed.

It is important to note that while beer and wine may be available for purchase in gas stations in some states, there are often restrictions on the alcohol content. For example, in Alabama, there is a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and bottles cannot exceed 16 ounces.

Furthermore, the operating hours of gas stations that sell alcohol can vary by state and local laws. For instance, in Wisconsin, the sale of alcohol is generally permitted from 6 am to 9 pm, while in Arizona, it is allowed from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 2 am on Sundays.

State-specific alcohol laws

Alcohol laws in the United States vary significantly from state to state. The Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction. Here is a state-by-state breakdown of some of the key alcohol laws:

Alabama

On and off-premise liquor sales are limited to 2 am on Sundays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but spirits cannot. There is a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and bottles cannot exceed 16 ounces. Wine faces a 14.9% ABV limit. While 26 of Alabama's 67 counties do not allow alcohol to be sold, possession and consumption are still legal.

Alaska

There is no state control over alcohol sales in Alaska. On and off-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 5 am. Liquor sales are prohibited in grocery stores.

Arizona

Arizona has no state control over alcohol sales. Sales are permitted from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 2 am on Sundays. Notably, drive-through liquor stores are legal in Arizona.

Arkansas

Arkansas does not have state control over alcohol distribution. On-premise sales hours vary depending on the type of establishment, with Class A Private Clubs able to serve from 7 am to 2 am, Class B from 10 am to 5 am, and restaurants from 7 am to 1 am. Off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 1 am Monday through Friday, but only until midnight on Saturdays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only in-state-produced wine is permitted, and spirits are prohibited. Arkansas has many dry counties, but private clubs are exempt from these restrictions. Sunday and Christmas Day sales are prohibited, with some exceptions.

California

California does not have state control over alcohol sales. Sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am. Wine, beer, and spirits can be sold in grocery stores. While California has lenient laws regarding liquor promotion, individual counties can restrict sales with local laws. The sale of alcohol above 76.5% ABV is illegal.

Colorado

Colorado does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales from 8 am to midnight. Only beer with 3.2% ABV or less can be sold in grocery stores. As of July 1, 2008, off-premise sales are permitted seven days a week. Liquor stores are restricted to operating only one location, and absinthe is legal.

Connecticut

Connecticut does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are permitted from 9 am to 1 am Monday through Thursday and 9 am to 2 am on Friday and Saturday. Off-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, but are prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Beer can be sold in grocery stores.

Delaware

Delaware does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 9 am to 1 am, and off-premise sales from 9 am to 1 am Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 pm on Sundays, subject to local ordinances. Holiday sales are prohibited, and off-premise sales are only allowed in licensed liquor stores, taprooms, or brewpubs. Persons under 21 are not permitted to enter any off-premise licensed venues.

Florida

Florida does not have state control over alcohol sales. State law prohibits on and off-premise sales between 1 am and 7 am, unless the county decides to change the operating hours. For example, Miami-Dade County liquor stores may operate 24 hours a day. Beer, wine, and low-alcohol liquors can be purchased at grocery stores. Spirits greater than 76.5% ABV are illegal.

Georgia

Georgia has some unique alcohol laws. Sales hours are determined by the county. Beer with ABV above 14% is illegal, and no off-premise sales are allowed on Sundays. Certain areas permit public consumption, but with limitations: only one drink is allowed on the street, and the size cannot exceed 16 ounces. Drinking from a can, bottle, or glass is prohibited, making it quite restrictive for an otherwise legal activity.

Hawaii

Hawaii does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 11:50 am to 6 am with the proper cabaret licensing. Off-premise sales are permitted from 11:50 am to 12 am. Spirits, beer, and wine can be sold in grocery stores.

Idaho

Idaho has state control over spirit sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 10 am to 1 am. Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores. Beverages exceeding 16% ABV can only be sold in state dispensaries or contracted stores.

Illinois

Illinois does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 4 am. All beverages can be sold in grocery stores. Sales laws are determined by local municipalities. Sunday sales are not allowed until 11 am.

Indiana

Indiana does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are permitted from 7 am to 3 am Monday through Saturday and 10:30 am to 12:30 am on Sundays. Off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 3 am, but are prohibited on Sundays. Sales are also prohibited on Christmas, New Year's Day, and election day prior to the polls closing. Alcohol can be sold in supermarkets.

Iowa

Iowa has state control over spirit sales. On and off-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 8 am to 2 am on Sundays. Grocery store alcohol sales are permitted. All beer greater than 6% ABV must be shipped from the state warehouse.

Kansas

Kansas does not have state control over liquor distribution, but it has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the nation. All alcohol was prohibited from 1881 to 1948, and on-premise sales were banned from 1881 to 1987. Sunday sales have only been permitted since 2005. In counties that allow on-premise sales, the hours are from 9 am to 2 am. Off-premise sales are allowed from 9 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 or 8 pm on Sundays. Only 29 counties allow on-premise sales, and 59 counties require establishments to make at least 30% of their revenue from food to serve alcohol. Only 17 counties have no restrictions on alcohol sales. Sales are prohibited on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Grocery stores may only sell beer with 3.2% ABV or less.

Kentucky

Kentucky, known for its whiskey, has some surprising alcohol laws. Sales are not state-controlled. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 4 am, and off-premise sales from 6 am to 2 pm. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores. Local ordinances may modify these hours, and only Louisville allows on-premise sales from 2 am to 4 am. As of 2005, Sunday sales are allowed but may be overridden by local laws. 53 counties are completely dry, where even possession of alcohol is illegal. 16 counties have some cities that permit sales, and another 21 counties only allow sales of specific types of alcohol, such as wine from wineries. Only 5 counties around the major cities fully allow sales.

Louisiana

Louisiana does not have state control over alcohol sales. There are no restrictions on on or off-premise sales unless the municipality decides that on-premise sales must stop at 2 pm. Off-premise sales are allowed in grocery stores and all other licensed stores, and these sales can be 24/7, which cannot be challenged by municipalities. In New Orleans, you can drink alcohol in plastic cups in public, and if allowed by the bar, you can take your drinks from one bar to another. Many places allow the consumption of packaged beverages on the street, but this is up to the municipality. Most bars can be entered at 18, but you must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol.

Maine

Maine has state control over spirit sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 1 am Monday through Saturday and 9 am to 1 am on Sundays. Beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores. Wine with ABV above 15.5% must be sold in state-contracted stores. Alcohol sales are not permitted after 1 am any day.

Maryland

Alcohol laws in Maryland vary significantly by locality. Some counties prohibit sales on Sundays, while others do not. Some areas have strict restrictions on alcohol, but there are no completely dry counties. In some counties, some alcohol can be sold in grocery stores.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not have state control over alcohol distribution. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 1 am (2 am in Boston). Off-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to 11 pm, and on Sundays from noon onwards. Cities have the authority to shorten these times. Some convenience stores are licensed to sell beer, but not grocery stores or gas stations. Happy hours are prohibited, and on-premise sales are limited to two drinks per individual at one time.

Michigan

Michigan has state control over spirit sales. On and off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am and noon to 2 am on Sundays. Any liquor can be sold at grocery stores and convenience stores, except for gas stations in Wayne County. Sales of liquor after 9 pm on December 24 and all of Christmas Day are prohibited. On-premise sales on January 1 are allowed until 4 am.

Minnesota

Minnesota does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to 2 am. Off-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 10 pm, and there are no off-premise sales on Sundays. Local ordinances can modify off-premise sale hours, and growler sales are allowed until 10 pm.

Mississippi

Mississippi has state control over spirit distribution and has strict regulations around alcohol. Sales hours are determined by local municipalities. Beer can be sold in grocery stores, but wine with ABV above 6% can only be sold in state-controlled stores. Sales are prohibited on Christmas Day, and there is no open container law in the state. Free alcohol is available 24/7 in coastal casinos. In most counties, Sunday sales are prohibited, and there are even some dry counties.

Missouri

Missouri has very permissive alcohol laws. Sales are not state-controlled. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 1:30 am Monday through Saturday and 9 am to 12 am on Sundays. St. Louis and Kansas City, along with a few other counties, can operate from 6 am to 3 am daily. Off-premise sales follow the same hours, including bars that are allowed to double as liquor stores in St. Louis and Kansas City, which can remain open until 3 am. There are no state open container laws, no blue laws (prohibiting sales on Sundays), no public intoxication laws, and absinthe is not prohibited. There are no dry counties, and prohibiting off-premise sales is illegal. State laws override local laws. Grocery stores and gas stations can sell liquor with the only limitation being operating hours. Parents and guardians may provide their children with alcohol. There is no prohibition of consumption by minors, although purchase, possession, and intoxication by minors are illegal. Open containers are allowed on Kansas City's Power and Light District. Individuals may manufacture up to 100 gallons of liquor for personal use without state permits or taxes.

Montana

Montana has state control over spirit sales, but beer and wine with ABV below 16% can be sold at grocery stores. On-premise sales are limited to 2 am.

Nebraska

Nebraska does not have state control over alcohol sales. On and off-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 1 am, although you cannot purchase hard liquor on Sundays before noon. Omaha has repealed the Sunday hard alcohol law. All alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores.

Nevada

Nevada does not have state control over alcohol distribution and has very few laws regarding alcohol, except for age restrictions. Stores can operate 24 hours a day, and liquor can be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Public intoxication is legal, and local laws prohibiting this are forbidden.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has state control over spirit sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 1 am, and off-premise sales until 11:45 pm. Beer can be sold in grocery stores, but there is a 12% ABV cap on beer sold in the state. Liquor is sold in state-run stores, some of which are located along highway rest areas.

New Jersey

New Jersey does not have state control over alcohol sales. Sales hours are regulated by each municipality. Beer and wine can occasionally be sold in grocery stores, but this is rare. There are some dry counties, particularly in the southern part of the state.

New Mexico

New Mexico does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales until midnight, except on Sundays when no sales are permitted. Stores can apply for on and off-premise licenses to allow Sunday sales if their municipality permits it, but sales on Christmas are never allowed. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores. Parents, legal guardians, and adult spouses are permitted to give minors alcohol within private property under their control.

New York

New York does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 4 am. Off-premise sales of beer are always permitted, except from 3 am to 8 am on Sundays. Wine and spirits are available from 9 am to midnight Monday through Saturday and noon to 9 pm on Sundays. Beer can only be sold in supermarkets, and wine and spirits must be purchased at liquor stores.

North Carolina

North Carolina has state control over spirit sales. On-premise sales are allowed at any time except from 2 am to 7 am Monday through Saturday and 2 am to noon on Sundays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only state-run stores can sell liquor, with hours from 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday. There is a 15% ABV limit on beer.

North Dakota

North Dakota does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and noon to 2 am on Sundays. Off-premise sales appear to be permitted until 2 am. Sales are restricted on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve.

Ohio

Ohio has state control over spirit sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 5:30 am to 2:30 am, and off-premise sales from 5:30 am to 1 am. Grocery stores can sell all forms of alcohol. While the state controls some sales, it licenses private businesses for a fee. There is a 12% ABV limit on beer.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales from 10 am to 9 pm. Only beer with 3.2% ABV or less can be sold in supermarkets, and any beer above 4% ABV can only be sold at room temperature in liquor stores, which are closed on Sundays and some holidays. As of 2007, stores are open on election days.

Oregon

Oregon has state control over spirit sales. On and off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2:30 am, and beer and wine can be sold at supermarkets. Liquor is only available at state-run liquor stores.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has state control over wine and spirit sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and 11 am to 2 am on Sundays with a special permit, and if non-alcohol sales are at least 30%, private clubs can sell until 3 am. Wine and spirits can only be purchased at state-run liquor stores, which operate from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sundays. Liquor permits for events appear to be complex and limited.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed until 2 am, and off-premise sales from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 pm on Sundays. Alcohol can only be sold in liquor stores.

South Carolina

South Carolina does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales hours are controlled locally and vary. Beer and low-alcohol wine can be sold 24 hours a day, and liquor can be sold from 9 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday at liquor stores. There is a 17.5% ABV cap on beer and 16% on wine. No liquor sales are allowed on election day.

South Dakota

South Dakota does not have state control over alcohol sales. Sales of alcohol are permitted in supermarkets. There is a 14% ABV limit on beer.

Tennessee

Tennessee does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 3 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 3 am on Sundays. Off-premise sales are permitted from 8 am to 11 pm, except on Sundays. Beer can be sold in supermarkets, and interestingly, open container laws only apply to the driver of a vehicle, not their passengers.

Texas

Texas does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to midnight or 2 am. Beer can be sold off-premise from 7 am to midnight Monday through Friday, 7 am to 1 am on Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday. Hard liquor can be sold from

Alcohol availability in grocery stores

In the United States, the sale of alcohol is regulated by each state and territory, and laws vary significantly across the country. The Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution grants individual states and territories the power to oversee the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol within their jurisdiction.

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act, enacted in 1984, requires all states to set a minimum age of 21 years for purchasing and possessing alcohol in public. This federal law is designed to standardise the drinking age across the nation and is enforced by withholding a portion of federal highway funding from non-compliant states.

The availability of alcohol in grocery stores differs from state to state. Some states, like Arizona, California, and Nevada, allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations. In these states, it is common to find beer, wine, and liquor readily available alongside everyday items. However, the specific regulations can vary even within a state. For example, in California, liquor stores have restricted operating hours, typically closing from 2 am to 6 am, while grocery stores and gas stations may have more flexible hours.

On the other hand, some states have more restrictive laws regarding alcohol sales in grocery stores. For instance, in Maryland, alcohol can only be purchased from state-run liquor stores or privately owned retail liquor stores, and it is prohibited in grocery stores and gas stations. Similarly, Pennsylvania previously had a similar model, with state-run liquor stores being the primary source of alcohol, but in recent years, they have allowed licensed grocers to sell wine alongside other beverages.

The licensing and regulation of alcohol sales in grocery stores are often influenced by factors such as public health and safety concerns, economic considerations, and the desire for convenience and accessibility. While some states favour more relaxed regulations, others maintain stricter controls to mitigate issues like excessive consumption, retail theft, and underage drinking.

The complex and dynamic nature of alcohol regulations in the United States means that it is always a good idea to check the specific laws in the state or territory you are visiting.

Alcohol availability in bars and restaurants

The availability of alcohol in bars and restaurants varies across the United States. This is because the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction. As such, laws pertaining to the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol differ significantly across the country.

For example, in some states, such as California, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until 2 am, while in other states, such as Arizona, the cut-off time may be as early as midnight. In some states, such as Nevada, there are no restrictions on the hours of alcohol service in bars and restaurants, while in others, such as Georgia, the hours of service are determined by the county.

Additionally, the type of alcohol that can be served in bars and restaurants also varies by state. For instance, in Utah, only beer with an ABV of 3.2% or lower can be sold in supermarkets, while in other states, such as California and Florida, beer, wine, and liquor can all be sold in grocery stores.

It is important to note that, while states have the power to regulate alcohol within their borders, there are some federal laws that apply nationwide. For example, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 established 21 as the minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol in all 50 states.

Therefore, while the availability of alcohol in bars and restaurants varies across the United States due to state-level regulations, there are also some federal laws that apply nationwide.

Alcohol availability on Sundays

• Alabama: Alcohol sales are generally permitted 24/7, but there are some counties that prohibit alcohol sales between midnight and noon on Sundays.
• Arizona: Alcohol sales are allowed 24/7, but there may be local communities, such as counties or towns, that restrict the 24/7 rule.
• California: Alcohol is readily available in gas stations and convenience stores, and there are no statewide holiday restrictions.
• Colorado: Alcohol sales are restricted to liquor stores, breweries, vintners, and distilleries. Grocery stores and other venues are not permitted to sell full-strength beer, liquor, or wine.
• Florida: Full-strength wine, beer, and liquor can be purchased from state liquor stores, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and some hotels and resorts, except on Sundays and major holidays.
• Indiana: Indiana is one of the few states that prohibit the sale of spirits, wine, and beer on Sundays. However, alcohol can still be purchased from breweries and wineries on Sundays.
• Louisiana: Alcohol sales are permitted 24/7 in bars and casinos, but there are some dry counties that do not allow alcohol sales at all.
• Massachusetts: Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays until noon. There are also restrictions on portion control, with patrons limited to a maximum of two drinks at a time.
• Nevada: There are very few restrictions on alcohol sales in Nevada, and public drunkenness is legal.
• New Jersey: Alcohol sales are generally allowed 24/7, but there are some dry towns, particularly in the southern part of the state, that prohibit alcohol sales.
• New York: Alcohol sales are permitted 24/7, but there are some counties that may retain the Sunday morning prohibition on beer sales.
• Ohio: Alcohol sales are allowed 24/7, but there may be local communities that restrict the hours of sale.
• Pennsylvania: Alcohol sales are restricted to state-run liquor stores and beverage outlets, and there are no alcohol sales on Sundays.
• Tennessee: Alcohol sales are allowed 24/7, but there may be local jurisdictions that modify the hours of alcohol sale.
• Texas: Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays, and liquor stores are closed on specified holidays.
• Utah: Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays, and there are various restrictions on the types of alcohol that can be purchased and consumed.
• Washington: Alcohol sales are allowed 24/7, but there may be local governments that establish later opening hours or earlier closing hours.

Frequently asked questions