In Georgia, the sale of alcohol is regulated by the state government, but individual counties are allowed to set their own rules and restrictions. From Monday to Saturday, beer can be purchased from 8 am to 11:45 pm, and on Sundays, from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm. However, some counties have more restrictive laws, and there are even a few dry counties where retail liquor sales are illegal.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Days of the week beer can be bought | Monday to Saturday |
Time beer can be bought on those days | 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. |
Days of the week beer cannot be bought before 12:30 p.m. | Sunday |
Time beer can be bought on Sundays | 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. |
Cities with a "brunch bill" | Atlanta |
Time beer can be bought in cities with a "brunch bill" | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
Dry counties in Georgia | Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, and White County |
What You'll Learn
Beer can be bought from 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. on weekdays in Georgia
Beer lovers in Georgia can enjoy a wide range of options when it comes to purchasing their favourite beverage. The state's alcohol laws can be quite complex, but here's everything you need to know about buying beer in the morning, specifically during weekdays.
Beer Purchase Timing on Weekdays in Georgia:
On weekdays, from Monday to Saturday, beer can generally be purchased in Georgia starting from either 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. This timing applies to off-premises consumption, meaning you can buy beer from retailers like grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations during these hours.
However, it's important to note that the specific timing may vary depending on the county or local jurisdiction. While the state sets the earliest and latest sales times, individual counties are allowed to impose more restrictive rules. For example, in Muscogee County, beer sales are prohibited from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays, with package stores typically closing by 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
On-Premise Consumption:
When it comes to on-premise consumption, such as at bars and restaurants, the hours may differ slightly. In most cases, on-premise sales of beer can begin at 11 a.m. and must end by 11:45 p.m. every day of the week. However, some jurisdictions have enacted a "brunch law" that allows alcohol service to start earlier, at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
Dry Counties:
It's also worth mentioning that there are a few "dry counties" in Georgia, such as Coweta, Dodge, Franklin, Decatur, and Murray, where retail sales of liquor are not allowed at all. While you can legally drink alcohol in these counties, you won't be able to purchase it within their borders.
Recent Changes and Special Occasions:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some temporary changes were made to alcohol policies to support the restaurant industry. For example, a bill was passed to allow restaurants to sell to-go cocktails with takeout entrees, and retail stores were permitted to offer home delivery of beer. Additionally, on special occasions like St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, and the days before Memorial Day and Labor Day, bars and restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol until 2:30 a.m.
So, whether you're stocking up for a weekday get-together or planning a weekend outing, it's always a good idea to stay informed about the specific regulations in your county to ensure you can purchase beer at your desired time.
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Alcohol sales are restricted on Sundays
Currently, customers can buy alcohol on Sundays from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm in licensed package stores or other retail locations. However, it is important to note that the laws for on-premise sales vary by county and even city. Some cities have enacted a "brunch bill" that allows bars and restaurants to sell alcohol starting at 11 am on Sundays. Additionally, certain counties in Georgia are considered "dry counties", meaning they don't allow the retail sale of liquor at all, although consumers can legally drink there.
The specific day and time frames for alcohol sales are determined by individual counties, but they are not permitted to allow sales before 8 am or after 11:45 pm from Monday through Saturday. The state of Georgia allows local jurisdictions to set more restrictive rules, which can make the laws confusing for residents and visitors.
In Atlanta, residents voted to allow grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores to begin selling alcohol at 11 am on Sundays, rather than 12:30 pm. This change took effect in 2023 and was a significant step forward in updating the state's alcohol laws.
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Grocery stores can sell beer in Georgia
The hours during which grocery stores can sell beer also vary. From Monday to Saturday, beer sales in Georgia can begin as early as 7 or 8 a.m. and must end by 11:45 p.m. On Sundays, beer sales are restricted to the hours between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. However, these times may differ depending on the county, as local jurisdictions are allowed to set more restrictive rules. For instance, in Atlanta, Sunday beer sales can begin at 11 a.m. and continue until midnight.
In addition to the days and times permitted for beer sales, there are also special occasions in Georgia when alcohol can be sold for longer. For example, bars and restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol until 2:30 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, July 3rd, and 4th, and the Sunday before Memorial and Labor Day. On the other hand, many counties in Georgia prohibit all alcohol sales on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.
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Liquor stores are the only place to buy spirits
In Georgia, the sale of alcohol is regulated by the state government, but individual counties are allowed to set their own rules and restrictions. This means that the answer to the question "What time can you buy beer in Georgia in the morning?" will vary depending on the county and the day of the week.
Generally, in Georgia, beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, while liquor stores (also known as package stores) are the only place to buy spirits.
From Monday to Saturday, alcohol sales in Georgia typically begin at either 7 am or 8 am and end at 11:45 pm for off-premises consumption. On Sundays, alcohol sales are restricted to between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm for off-premises consumption. These times may be further restricted by individual counties.
Some counties in Georgia are "dry counties," which means they prohibit the retail sale of liquor entirely. As of 2023, the dry counties in Georgia include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, and Union counties. White County is also dry, except for the city of Helen. Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption but allow off-site consumption. Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but permits alcohol service in bars and restaurants.
The city of Atlanta has more relaxed alcohol sales laws, allowing 24-hour alcohol sales from Monday to Saturday and from 11 am to midnight on Sundays.
It is important to note that the laws regarding alcohol sales in Georgia have been evolving, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some temporary changes becoming permanent.
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Alcohol can be delivered in Georgia
Alcohol laws in the state of Georgia can be confusing, as local jurisdictions are allowed to set their own rules. However, it is possible to get alcohol delivered in Georgia, and there are several services that can help you with this.
Since the pandemic, retailers with the right license have been allowed to deliver beer and wine in Georgia. Only liquor stores are permitted to deliver distilled spirits, and only restaurants may sell mixed drinks for delivery. All other businesses can only sell prepackaged alcohol.
To sell or deliver alcohol in Georgia, individuals must undergo state-approved training, such as the courses provided by TIPS.
There are several alcohol delivery services in Georgia, including Instacart and Minibar Delivery. Instacart connects you with a personal shopper in your area who will buy and deliver your order. You can track your order and communicate with your shopper using the Instacart app or website. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, and orders can be scheduled for as early as 9 am or as late as midnight.
Minibar Delivery works with local store partners to deliver wine, spirits, beer, and mixers to your door. Deliveries typically take 30-60 minutes, and there is a $5 delivery fee to help offset costs for retail partners.
It's important to note that Georgia has several "dry counties" where retail liquor sales are illegal. These include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, and Union counties.
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Frequently asked questions
In Georgia, you can buy beer for off-premises consumption between 8:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
No, you cannot buy beer at any time in Georgia. On Sundays, beer may be sold from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Yes, some cities have enacted a brunch bill that allows bars and restaurants to sell alcohol starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Yes, on certain holidays such as St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, July 3rd and 4th, and the Sunday before Memorial and Labor Day, bars and restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol until 2:30 a.m.