Kroger Beer Buying: Timing Your Purchase

Alcohol selling restrictions vary by state and by the day of the week. In Kentucky, for example, any packaged alcohol can be sold from 1 pm until 9 pm on Sundays. In Indiana, only stand-alone liquor stores can sell refrigerated beer, while grocery stores and gas stations can only sell warm beer. Kroger's website offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, liquor, and spirits, and provides multiple ways to shop, such as in-store, curbside pickup, home delivery, or shipping.

Beer at Kroger Field

Alcohol sales at Kroger Field, the home of the University of Kentucky's football team, have been a long-argued debate among Big Blue Nation. In 2023, the university became the 11th SEC program to allow alcohol sales at its football stadium.

Previously, athletics director Mitch Barnhart had never prioritised the move and always avoided giving a direct answer when the topic arose. However, this changed when UK Athletics began a trial run with alcohol sales at baseball and softball games earlier in 2023. After the fifth inning, alcohol would no longer be sold at either stadium.

Barnhart eventually announced that beer and seltzer drinks would be sold at all UK athletics events, including at Kroger Field. This announcement was made ahead of the 2023 season opener at home against Ball State on 2 September 2023.

For the first time, all fans inside Kroger Field were given the chance to purchase alcohol before and during a UK football game. The alcohol sales were limited to a maximum of two per person, per transaction, and identification checks occurred at each transaction. Alcohol sales stopped at the end of the third quarter of the game.

The domestic options available for purchase included Bud Light, Bud Light Seltzer, Michelob Ultra, Yuengling Lager, and Yuengling Flight. In the craft beer category, Stella Artois, Big Kahuna, and Neon Big Hug were also available. Several local beer options were also sold, including Cougar Bait by Country Boy Brewing, and Kentucky Tangerine Cream Ale and Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, both by Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company.

Alcohol sales at Kroger

Kroger offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including domestic and imported beer, hard seltzers, single cans and bottles, champagne, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic options. Customers can choose to shop in-store, opt for curbside pickup, or have their purchases delivered to their homes.

In 2023, Kroger Field, the home of the University of Kentucky's football team, began selling alcohol during games. This change came after a successful trial of alcohol sales at Kentucky Proud Park for baseball games and John Cropp Stadium for softball games. The decision to sell alcohol during football games was met with some debate, but the university ultimately implemented a pilot program to enhance the fan experience. Alcohol sales are limited to two drinks per person, per transaction, and end at the conclusion of the third quarter.

Kroger's alcohol selection includes popular brands such as Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Yuengling, and Stella Artois, as well as local craft beers like Cougar Bait from Country Boy Brewing. The availability of specific brands may vary by location.

Beer before 1pm on a Sunday

Buying beer before 1 pm on a Sunday can be a tricky business, especially if you're planning to shop at Kroger. Alcohol selling restrictions vary by state, so the time you can buy beer at Kroger will depend on your local laws.

For example, in Louisville, Kentucky, you won't be able to buy beer at Kroger before 1 pm on a Sunday due to the state's blue laws. These laws restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays, with packaged alcohol sales permitted only between 1 pm and 9 pm. If you're in Indiana, you're in luck, as stores can sell beer at noon on Sundays, although Kroger cannot sell refrigerated beer.

If you're looking to buy beer before 1 pm on a Sunday, your best bet may be to check the laws for your specific state and county, as they can vary. You may also want to try a brewery, where you can get growlers or crowlers filled, or a restaurant, which may be able to serve alcohol earlier in the day.

Planning ahead is always a good idea to avoid any last-minute surprises when it comes to purchasing alcohol on Sundays.

Beer and state laws

The sale of alcohol, including beer, is subject to state laws in the United States. These laws vary from state to state and can include restrictions on the days and times alcohol can be sold, as well as the type of alcohol and the locations where it can be sold.

For example, in Kentucky, alcohol can be sold at football games, and at Kroger Field specifically, as of the 2023 season. However, prior to that, Kentucky had strict laws regarding alcohol sales, including a ban on the sale of alcohol before 1 pm on Sundays, which is known as a "blue law". These laws also vary by city in Kentucky, with different rules for Louisville and Frankfort, for example.

In Indiana, only standalone liquor stores can sell refrigerated beer on Sundays, while grocery stores and gas stations can only sell warm beer.

These laws are subject to change and evolution, and they can have a significant impact on businesses and consumers. For instance, the sale of alcohol at Kroger Field was a long-argued debate and a significant change to the fan experience.

Buying beer online from Kroger

Step 1: Visit the Kroger Website or App

To get started, customers can visit the Kroger website or download the Kroger app on their mobile devices. The website and app offer a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate through the different beer options available.

Step 2: Explore the Beer Selection

Kroger boasts an extensive selection of beers, including domestic and imported options, craft beers, seasonal varieties, and even non-alcoholic beers. Customers can browse through the different styles, brands, and packages to find their preferred choices. Whether you're a fan of IPAs, lagers, stouts, or something else, Kroger has a diverse range to satisfy different tastes.

Step 3: Add Beer to Your Cart

Once you've found the beers you wish to purchase, simply add them to your virtual cart. Kroger may offer mix-and-match deals or discounts on specific brands, so be sure to look out for those while shopping. Additionally, digital coupons and weekly ads may provide additional savings on your beer purchase.

Step 4: Choose Your Shopping Option

Kroger provides multiple shopping options for customers:

• Home Delivery: Customers can opt for fast home delivery, where their beer is delivered straight to their doorstep. This option is convenient for those who prefer a more relaxed shopping experience.
• Curbside Pickup: If you'd rather pick up your beer order yourself, Kroger offers curbside pickup. You can drive to the store, verify your age and show your ID, and have your beer loaded into your car without even stepping inside.
• In-Store Pickup: Alternatively, you can choose to pick up your beer order from inside the store. This option allows you to browse other items while collecting your beer.

Step 5: Checkout and Age Verification

During the checkout process, Kroger will require age verification to ensure that customers meet the legal drinking age. This step is mandatory, and customers may need to provide a valid ID upon pickup or delivery to confirm their age.

Step 6: Wait for Delivery or Pick Up Your Order

Depending on your chosen shopping option, you can either wait for your beer to be delivered to your home or head to the selected Kroger store to pick up your order. For deliveries, customers may receive real-time updates on their order status and estimated arrival time.

It's important to note that alcohol selling restrictions vary by state, and certain Kroger locations may have specific regulations regarding beer sales. For instance, some states or stores may restrict the sale of refrigerated beer on Sundays. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the local regulations and Kroger's website for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions