When Can Beer Be Legally Bought?

The time at which a person can buy beer varies depending on their location and the day of the week. In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, and federal, state, and local laws govern how and when beer can be consumed and purchased. While the National Minimum Drinking Age Act sets the drinking age, states can also regulate alcohol content and the hours of sale. For example, in Texas, beer and wine are available in retail stores from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Liquor stores, on the other hand, are closed on Sundays and some holidays, operating from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on other days. In Mississippi, beer can only be purchased between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays and Christmas Day.

Beer buying hours vary by state

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

The 21st Amendment of the U.S. 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 vary significantly across the country.

Alabama

State-owned liquor stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, but private liquor stores don't have to follow these rules. Beer and wine are not controlled by the state, but spirits are. On-premise liquor sales are limited to 2 am on Sundays, and beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but spirits cannot. Alcohol can be served 24 hours a day unless restricted by local ordinances. Twenty-six of Alabama's 67 counties do not allow alcohol sales, though possession and consumption remain legal.

Alaska

No alcohol is state-controlled in Alaska. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 5 am. Liquor sales are not permitted in grocery stores.

Arizona

No alcohol is state-controlled in Arizona. Sales are permitted from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and 10 am to 2 am on Sunday. Drive-through liquor stores are legal.

Arkansas

Distribution is not state-controlled in Arkansas. On-premise sales vary for different types of establishments, and 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 allowed, and spirits are prohibited. Sunday and Christmas Day sales are prohibited, with some exceptions.

California

Sales are not controlled by the state in California. Sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am, and wine, beer, and spirits can be sold in grocery stores. Counties can set additional restrictions.

Colorado

Sales are not controlled by the state in Colorado. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales from 8 am to midnight. Only 3.2% ABV beer can be sold in grocery stores. Liquor stores are only allowed to operate one location, and absinthe is legal.

Connecticut

Sales are not controlled by the state in Connecticut. On-premise sales are allowed from 9 am to 1 am Monday through Thursday, and 9 am to 2 am Friday and Saturday. Off-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday and are prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Beer can be sold in grocery stores.

Delaware

Sales are not controlled by the state in Delaware. 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 Sunday, subject to local ordinances. Holiday sales are not allowed, nor are off-premise sales outside of licensed liquor stores, taprooms, or brewpubs.

Florida

Sales are not controlled by the state in Florida. State law prohibits on-premise and off-premise sales between 1 am and 7 am, but counties can override this restriction. For example, in 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 interesting laws regarding alcohol sales. Hours of sale are determined by the county. Beer with an ABV above 14% is illegal, and there are no Sunday off-premise sales. Certain areas allow public consumption, but with limitations: one drink on the street, size no more than 16 oz, and drinking from a can, bottle, or glass is prohibited.

Hawaii

Sales are not controlled by the state in Hawaii. On-premise sales are allowed from 11:50 am to 6 am with the proper cabaret licensing, and off-premise sales from 11:50 am to 12 am. Spirits, beer, and wine can be sold in grocery stores.

Idaho

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Idaho. On-premise sales are allowed from 10 am to 1 am, and beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores. Beverages exceeding 16% ABV can only be sold in state dispensaries or contracted stores.

Illinois

Sales are not state-controlled in Illinois. On-premise sales vary depending on the county, and all beverages can be sold in grocery stores.

Indiana

Sales are not controlled by the state in Indiana. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 3 am Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 am to 12:30 am on Sunday. Off-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 3 am, and there are no off-premise sales on Sunday. No sales are allowed on Christmas, New Year's Day, or election day prior to the polls closing. Alcohol can be sold in supermarkets.

Iowa

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Iowa. On-premise and off-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and 8 am to 2 am on Sunday. Grocery store alcohol sales are permitted. All beer greater than 6% ABV must be shipped from the state warehouse.

Kansas

Kansas has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the nation. All alcohol was prohibited from 1881 to 1948, and on-premise sales were prohibited from 1881 to 1987. Sunday sales have only been allowed since 2005. In counties that allow on-premise sales, it is permitted from 9 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales from 9 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday, and noon to 7 or 8 pm on Sundays. There are still some counties that do not permit on-premise sales, and others that only allow it under certain conditions. Sales are prohibited on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Only 3.2% ABV beer is available at grocery stores.

Kentucky

Kentucky has some complex laws regarding alcohol sales. Sales are not state-controlled, and 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 can override these hours, and only a few counties fully allow sales. There are many dry counties where even possession is illegal.

Louisiana

Sales are not state-controlled in Louisiana. There are no restrictions on on-premise 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, and no municipality can challenge this. In New Orleans, you can drink alcohol in public and take your drinks from one bar to another. Most bars can be entered at 18, but you must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol.

Maine

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Maine. On-premise hours are 6 am to 1 am Monday through Saturday, and 9 am to 1 am on Sunday. Beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores, and wine with an ABV > 15.5% must be sold in state-contracted stores. Alcohol sales are not permitted after 1 am any day.

Maryland

Laws in Maryland vary by locality, and sales are not state-controlled. Some counties prohibit Sunday sales, while others do not. Some places restrict alcohol heavily, but there are no completely dry counties. Some alcohol is allowed to be sold in grocery stores in certain counties.

Massachusetts

Distribution is not state-controlled in Massachusetts. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 1 am (2 am in Boston) and off-premise sales from 8 am to 11 pm. Sunday sales on-premise and off-premise start at noon. 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 you can only purchase two drinks per individual at one time on-premise.

Michigan

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Michigan. On-premise 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 gas stations in Wayne County. Sale of liquor after 9 pm on December 24 and all of Christmas Day is prohibited. On-premise sales on January 1 are allowed until 4 am.

Minnesota

The state does not control sales in Minnesota. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales from 8 am to 10 pm, with no off-premise sales on Sundays. Local ordinances can change off-sale hour allowances, and growler sales are allowed until 10 pm.

Mississippi

Spirit distribution is controlled by the state in Mississippi. Sales hours are fixed by local municipalities. Beer can be sold in grocery stores, but wine > 6% ABV can only be sold in state-controlled stores. Sales are prohibited on Christmas Day, and there is no open container law in the state. You can get free alcohol 24/7 in coastal casinos. In most counties, Sunday sales are prohibited, and there are some dry counties.

Missouri

Missouri has very permissive alcohol laws. Alcohol is 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 Sunday. St. Louis and Kansas City, and a few other counties can operate from 6 am to 3 am daily. Off-premise sales are allowed during the same times, and bars in St. Louis and Kansas City can double as liquor stores and remain open until 3 am. There are no state open container laws, no blue laws, no public intoxication laws, and absinthe is not prohibited. There are no dry counties, and prohibiting off-premise sales is illegal. State laws preempt local laws. Grocery stores and gas stations can sell liquor with the only limitation being operating hours. Parents and guardians may give their children alcohol.

Montana

Spirits are regulated by the state in Montana, but beer and wine may be sold at grocery stores as long as they are <16% ABV. Above that, wine must be sold at state-controlled stores. On-premise sales are limited to 2 am.

Nebraska

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

Nevada

The state of Nevada does not control distribution, and there are very few laws regarding alcohol sales, except for age restrictions. Stores can be open 24 hours a day, and liquor can be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Public intoxication is legal, and making any local laws to change this is prohibited.

New Hampshire

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in New Hampshire. 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 for beer sold in the state. Liquor is sold in state-run stores, often located along highway rest areas.

New Jersey

Sales are not controlled by the state in New Jersey. Hours of sale are regulated by each municipality. Beer and wine can occasionally be sold in grocery stores. There are some dry counties, particularly in the southern part of the state.

New Mexico

Sales are not state-controlled in New Mexico. 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-premise and off-premise licenses to allow for Sunday sales if their municipality allows it, but sales on Christmas are never permitted. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores. Parents, legal guardians, and adult spouses are allowed to give minors alcohol within private property under their control.

New York

Sales are not controlled by the state in New York. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 4 am, and off-premise sales of beer are available 24 hours, while wine and spirits are sold from 8 am to midnight Monday through Saturday, and noon to 9 pm on Sunday. Beer can only be sold in supermarkets, and wine and spirits can only be purchased at liquor stores.

North Carolina

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

North Dakota

Sales are not controlled by the state in North Dakota. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and noon to 2 am on Sunday. Off-premise sales appear to be allowed until 2 am. Sales are limited on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve.

Ohio

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Ohio. 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. The state controls some sales and licenses private businesses for a fee. There is a 12% ABV limit on beer.

Oklahoma

Sales are not controlled by the state in Oklahoma. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales from 10 am to 9 pm. Only 3.2% beer can be sold in supermarkets, and any beer over 4% can only be sold at room temperature in liquor stores, which are closed on Sundays and some holidays.

Oregon

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Oregon. On-premise 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

Wine and spirits sales are controlled by the state in Pennsylvania. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 2 am on Sunday with a special permit. 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 Sunday. Liquor permits for events can be complex and limited.

Rhode Island

Sales are not controlled by the state in Rhode Island. 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 Sunday. Alcohol can only be sold in liquor stores.

South Carolina

Sales are not controlled by the state in South Carolina. On-premise sales hours are controlled locally and vary. Beer and low-alcohol wine can be sold 24 hours, 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

Sales are not controlled by the state in South Dakota. Sales of alcohol are allowed in supermarkets, with a 14% ABV limit on beer.

Tennessee

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

Texas

Sales are not controlled by the state in Texas. On-premise sales are allowed from 7 am to midnight or 2 am, and off-premise sales of beer 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 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets. Alcohol > 15.5% ABV requires additional licensing, and on-premise beverages sold on Sunday between 10 am and noon must be accompanied by food.

Utah

Sales are controlled by the state in Utah. On-premise sales of liquor are allowed by restaurants from noon to midnight, and beer from 10 am to 1 am. Private clubs can serve liquor during the same hours as beer for restaurants. Off-premise sales vary but are all state-run and close no later than 10 pm, and are not open on Sundays. 3.2% ABV beer can be sold in supermarkets. Restaurants and clubs must buy alcohol from state-run stores at retail prices, and no alcohol can be served without food. Only 3.2% ABV beer can be on tap, and keg sales are banned. Alcohol cannot be served on election day until after 8 pm.

Vermont

Spirit sales are controlled by the state in Vermont. On-premise sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am, and off-premise sales from 6 am to midnight. Beer <8% ABV and wine <16% can be sold in supermarkets, while liquor is only available at state-run stores.

Virginia

Spirits are controlled by the state in Virginia. On-premise sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am,

Beer buying hours vary by day of the week

Beer buying hours vary significantly depending on the day of the week and the state. In Texas, for example, beer can be purchased from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. However, these hours apply only to retail stores that don't sell liquor, such as convenience stores and grocery stores. Bars and restaurants follow a similar schedule but with a slight variation on Sundays: they can serve alcohol from 10 a.m. to noon only if it is accompanied by food; otherwise, alcohol-only sales begin at noon.

In Mississippi, beer can be purchased between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Beer sales are prohibited on Sundays and Christmas Day.

In Alabama, beer and wine are not controlled by the state, but spirits are. On- and off-premise liquor sales are limited to 2 a.m. on Sundays. Beer and wine can be purchased in supermarkets, but spirits cannot.

In Arizona, beer can be purchased from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.

In California, beer can be purchased from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. any day of the year.

In Nevada, there are very few restrictions on alcohol sales. Stores can be open 24 hours a day, and beer can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores.

It is important to note that these laws can change, and there may be exceptions or additional restrictions based on local jurisdictions or specific counties within a state.

Beer buying hours vary by business type

Beer buying hours vary by state and business type. In Texas, for example, bars and restaurants with on-premises licenses can sell alcohol from 7 am to midnight, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, they can sell from 7 am to 1 am (Sunday morning), and from noon to midnight on Sundays. Supermarkets and grocery stores in Texas have off-premises beer/wine permits, allowing them to sell alcohol from 7 am to midnight, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, they can sell from 7 am to 1 am, and on Sundays, from 10 am to midnight.

Texas liquor stores, on the other hand, are licensed to sell alcohol between 10 am and 9 pm, Monday to Saturday, and are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. If Christmas or New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, they remain closed the following Monday.

In Alabama, state-owned liquor stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, but private liquor stores don't have to follow these rules. Many counties prohibit alcohol sales between midnight and noon on Sundays.

In Arizona, there are no state controls on alcohol sales, and alcohol can be sold from 6 am to 2 am every day of the year.

In California, alcohol sales are also not controlled by the state, and sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am every day. However, cities and counties can set additional restrictions.

In summary, beer buying hours vary by state and business type, with some states having more restrictive laws than others. It's important to check the local laws in your area to understand the specific regulations that apply.

Beer buying hours vary by alcohol type or content

The United States uses a complex system of federal, state, and local laws to govern how we buy and consume beer. While the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, enacted in 1984, prohibits the sale of alcohol to persons under 21, states and local jurisdictions have varying laws that dictate when and where alcohol can be purchased.

Beer buying hours vary not only by state but also by alcohol type or content. Some states restrict sales hours based on alcohol type, such as wines, beers, distilled liquor, or spirits, while others base restrictions on alcohol content, typically measured in alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, California allows the sale of alcohol up to 60% ABV, with anything higher sold in drugstores or pharmacies.

Additionally, the day of the week and holidays can impact beer buying hours. In many southern states, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays, and some states restrict sales on specific holidays like Christmas Day.

To illustrate, let's look at the state of Texas. On-premises license holders, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcoholic beverages from 7 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays, and noon to midnight on Sundays. Off-premises beer and wine license holders, such as convenience stores or grocery stores, have similar hours but are allowed to sell from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Liquor stores in Texas are typically closed on Sundays and have restricted hours on certain holidays.

It's important to note that these laws can change, and local jurisdictions within a state may have their own exceptions. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check your local laws to stay informed about the legal hours for purchasing beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Beer buying hours vary by local jurisdiction

Beer buying hours vary significantly depending on the local jurisdiction. In the United States, a complex system of federal, state, and local laws governs how individuals buy and consume beer. While federal alcohol restrictions apply to all states, local laws govern smaller jurisdictions.

In Texas, for example, the hours for purchasing beer differ depending on the day of the week and the type of beverage, such as beer, wine, or liquor. Retail stores that don't sell liquor follow a specific schedule: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Bars and restaurants follow a similar pattern, but with different hours on Sundays.

In Alabama, beer and wine sales are not controlled by the state, but spirits are. On Sundays, on-premise and off-premise liquor sales are limited to 2 a.m. Beer and wine can be purchased in supermarkets, but spirits cannot. However, it's important to note that 26 out of Alabama's 67 counties prohibit the sale of alcohol, although possession and consumption remain legal.

In Arizona, there are no state controls over alcohol sales. Sales are permitted from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday. Interestingly, drive-through liquor stores are legal in this state.

The hours for buying beer can vary even within a single state, depending on the specific county or city. For instance, in California, while the state allows alcohol sales from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., individual counties can impose additional restrictions.

To avoid any confusion or legal trouble, it is always advisable to check the specific regulations in your local area. These laws can be complex and subject to change, so staying informed is essential for both consumers and businesses.

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