When To Grab A Beer At Walmart

Walmart's alcohol sales hours vary depending on the state and county. In general, Walmart can start selling alcoholic drinks as early as 6 am, but this can differ depending on the day of the week and the store's location. Some states restrict Sunday sales, while there are dry towns where alcohol sales are prohibited. For example, in South Carolina, Walmart stores stop selling alcohol at 7 pm, while in Ohio, it's prohibited after 1 am.

Walmart offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink cocktails, though the selection and availability may vary by location and whether it's offered for in-store pickup or delivery.

Walmart's alcohol sales hours vary across the US

Walmarts' Alcohol Sales Hours Vary Across the US

State-by-State Breakdown

In Alabama, Walmart sells beer, wine, and spirits from 6 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday. However, Sunday sales are limited in some counties, with no alcohol sales allowed on Sundays in Cullman County.

Alaska, Arizona, California, and Hawaii have 24/7 alcohol sales at Walmart, with no restrictions on beverage types.

Arkansas, on the other hand, has dry towns where alcohol sales are prohibited, and in Benton County, Mississippi, there is a ban on all Sunday liquor sales.

Colorado permits alcohol sales from 8 am to midnight daily, while Connecticut allows sales from 8 am to 10 pm on weekdays and just 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

Florida has a unique restriction, limiting sales to 32 ounces per customer.

Georgia has extended hours on Sundays, with sales running from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm, while Idaho sells alcohol from 6 am to 1 am daily.

Illinois has complex liquor laws that vary by county and city, but sales are generally permitted from 8/9 am to midnight.

Indiana now allows Walmart alcohol sales daily from 7 am to 3 am after prohibition-era limits were abolished in 2018.

Iowa can only sell beer and wine, no liquor, and has different hours on Sundays, with sales running from 8 am to midnight.

Kansas sells alcohol from 6 am to 2 am on weekdays and 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays.

Kentucky keeps the party going all week, with sales from 6 am to 2 am Monday to Saturday and 1 pm to 2 am on Sundays.

Louisiana typically sells alcohol from 6 am to 2 am daily, but there are some exceptions in a few "dry" parishes.

Maine offers beer, wine, and spirits daily from 6 am until 1 am, while Maryland has complex liquor laws that vary by county, with most Walmarts selling from 6 am to 1 am on weekdays and 11 am to 11 pm on Sundays.

Massachusetts has modest liquor laws, with sales running from 10 am to 11 pm daily without restrictions.

Michigan, the Great Lakes state, embraces its freedom with round-the-clock liquor sales, while Minnesota has earlier closing times, with sales running from 11 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

Varying Regulations and Their Impact

Walmart's massive retail presence means its alcohol sales policies have a significant impact on regulations. For example, the company helped overturn Arkansas's ban on Sunday liquor sales in grocery stores after entering the state in 1990. Walmart has also lobbied to loosen restrictions in states like Oklahoma and Indiana.

Critics argue that Walmart exerts political influence to maximize alcohol revenue, while proponents claim they are simply responding to consumer demand. The company's pricing power can also substantially impact alcohol markets, with studies showing a drop in wine prices after Walmart opened grocery locations in some states.

As both a retailer and regulatory force, Walmart shapes America's drinking culture. While policies vary across its stores, the company's overall vision and scale make it an indisputable influencer in alcohol availability and affordability.

You must be over 21 to buy alcohol at Walmart

If you're planning a trip to Walmart to buy some beer, it's important to know the rules around purchasing alcohol. While Walmart does sell alcoholic beverages, there are certain restrictions in place, especially when it comes to age requirements. So, how old do you need to be to buy alcohol at Walmart?

In the United States, you must be over 21 years of age to purchase alcohol. This rule applies to Walmart and any other retailer that sells alcoholic beverages. At Walmart, customers who appear to be under the age of 21 will be asked to present a valid government-issued photo ID to prove their age. If you're unable to provide a valid ID, Walmart will not sell alcohol to you, regardless of your age. This policy is strictly enforced to comply with state and local laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors.

Walmart's age restriction for alcohol purchases is in line with the legal drinking age in the United States, which is also set at 21 years old. This federal law, known as the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, was enacted in 1984 and applies to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The law was established to help reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities involving young people.

In addition to age restrictions, it's important to be aware of the specific alcohol laws in your state or county. These laws can vary quite a bit across the country and may impact when and where you can buy alcohol at Walmart. For example, some states restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays, while others have "dry towns" where alcohol sales are prohibited altogether. Additionally, there may be time restrictions on when alcohol can be sold, with some states prohibiting sales before noon or after a certain time in the evening.

So, if you're planning to buy alcohol at Walmart, it's always a good idea to check the local laws and be prepared to present a valid ID if you're over 21. By following these rules, you can ensure that you're purchasing alcohol responsibly and in compliance with the law.

You need a valid government-issued photo ID to buy alcohol

The time that beer and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased at Walmart varies depending on the location of the store and the day of the week. In general, alcohol sales are prohibited between 3:00 am and 7:00 am, but some jurisdictions may allow sales from 2:00 am to 9:00 am. On Sundays, alcohol sales may be further restricted, with some states only permitting sales during specific hours or in certain counties.

Valid government-issued photo identification is required to purchase alcohol at Walmart. This is to ensure that the buyer is of legal drinking age, which is typically 21 years or older in the United States. The ID of the buyer must be checked, and in some states, the IDs of the entire group may need to be checked as well. This is to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, even if it is purchased by an adult on their behalf. It is important to note that providing false identification or purchasing alcohol for minors can result in penalties and federal punishment for both the buyer and the seller.

Walmart employees are trained to refuse sales if the buyer or group members cannot provide valid identification. Additionally, if the buyer or group appears to be intoxicated or includes individuals under 21 years of age, the sale will be declined. These measures are in place to comply with state and local laws and to promote responsible alcohol consumption.

Walmart's alcohol sales policies vary from state to state and are subject to local laws and regulations. It is always a good idea to check the specific regulations for your area before attempting to purchase alcohol at Walmart or any other retailer.

Alcohol sales are restricted or banned on Sundays in some states

The sale of alcohol in the United States is governed by the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution, which grants each state and territory the power to regulate alcohol within their jurisdiction. As a result, laws pertaining to alcohol sales vary significantly across the country, and some states have more restrictive laws than others.

In some states, the sale of alcohol is prohibited or restricted on Sundays. Here is a list of states with such restrictions:

• Alabama: While private clubs have no restrictions, several counties in Alabama prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
• Arizona: Arizona previously restricted Sunday alcohol sales to between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m., with sales beginning at 6 a.m. on other days. However, this law was repealed in 2010.
• Arkansas: Arkansas has 39 "dry" counties, where the sale of alcohol is entirely prohibited. Some exceptions are made for private facilities with licenses. Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays in most counties and statewide on Christmas Day.
• Connecticut: Until 2012, Connecticut had a ban on selling alcohol on Sundays.
• District of Columbia: While Class A retailers (private retailers) are required to be closed on Sundays, Class B retailers like grocery stores are allowed to sell beer and wine. This restriction was repealed in 2013.
• Georgia: Sunday retail alcohol sales were prohibited until 2011. While sales are still restricted before 12:30 p.m. on Sundays, many cities and counties have voted to allow alcohol sales on this day.
• Indiana: Indiana prohibits the sale of cold beer by grocery stores and gas stations, and carry-out alcohol sales on Sundays were only permitted in 2018.
• Maryland: In certain counties, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays.
• Massachusetts: While a restriction on early morning Sunday sales was repealed in 2015, alcohol sales are still prohibited on certain holidays.
• Mississippi: The sale of alcohol is prohibited in most of Mississippi on Sundays, and liquor sales are banned in nearly half of the state's counties.
• New Jersey: While there is no statewide ban, some counties and municipalities in New Jersey restrict Sunday alcohol sales.
• North Carolina: Alcohol sales are prohibited between 2 a.m. and either 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. on Sundays, depending on the county.
• Pennsylvania: While there is no statewide ban, some counties and municipalities in Pennsylvania may restrict Sunday alcohol sales.
• Tennessee: While there is no statewide ban, some counties and municipalities in Tennessee may restrict Sunday alcohol sales.
• Texas: Liquor stores in Texas are closed on Sundays, and alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays.
• Virginia: While Virginia previously had strict blue laws, these were ruled unconstitutional in 1988. However, some counties and municipalities may still have restrictions.
• West Virginia: Alcohol sales are prohibited between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Sundays, as well as on certain holidays.

It is important to note that these laws can change, and some states have recently relaxed their restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales. Additionally, there may be local variations within a state, with some counties or municipalities having different regulations than others. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the specific laws and regulations in your area.

Walmart does not sell alcohol in every state

For example, in Utah, it is illegal for any grocery stores to sell alcohol, and Walmart abides by this law. In some other states, such as North Dakota, Walmart has opened separate retail locations called Walmart Liquor Stores to legally supply alcohol to customers.

The times that Walmart is legally allowed to sell alcohol also vary from state to state. In some states, Walmart can sell alcohol at any time during opening hours, but in others, such as South Carolina, they must stop selling as early as 7 pm. Some states also restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays, which Walmart also has to follow.

To purchase alcohol at Walmart, you must be of legal age and provide a valid government-issued photo ID.

Frequently asked questions