Michigan Christmas Beer Buying Hours

If you're planning on buying beer in Michigan on Christmas, you'll need to be aware of the state's strict rules regarding holiday alcohol sales. Under the Liquor Control Code, licensees are prohibited from selling any alcoholic beverages, including beer, between 11:59 pm on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and 12:00 pm (noon) on December 25 (Christmas Day). This applies to all businesses that usually sell liquor, whether it's for consumption on or off the premises. So, if you're hoping for a beer with your Christmas lunch, you'll need to wait until after noon on the 25th to purchase it.

Alcohol sales are prohibited from 11:59 p.m. on December 24 to 12:00 p.m. on December 25

In Michigan, alcohol sales are prohibited from 11:59 p.m. on December 24 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on December 25. This applies to all licensees that sell alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks, for consumption on or off the licensed premises. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has issued a reminder to businesses holding liquor licenses about these special holiday hours.

This prohibition on alcohol sales during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is outlined in the Liquor Control Code and its administrative rules. While the sale of alcohol is restricted during this period, establishments may remain open and offer other goods and services.

It's important to note that Michigan has strict rules regarding holiday alcohol sales, and these regulations differ from the legal hours for alcohol sales during the rest of the year. Normally, bars in Michigan can operate until 2 a.m., but on Christmas Eve, they must stop serving alcohol earlier, at 11:59 p.m.

If you're planning to purchase alcohol in Michigan during the Christmas season, it's advisable to do so before 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Eve or after noon on Christmas Day, as retailers are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages during that specified timeframe.

On-premises licensees can sell alcohol until 4:00 a.m. on January 1

On New Year's Day, it is important to note that the rules differ for on-premises and off-premises licensees. On-premises licensees are not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., while off-premises licensees, such as convenience, drug, and grocery stores, are prohibited from selling alcohol between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

These extended hours on New Year's Eve provide an opportunity for businesses to cater to customers celebrating the arrival of the new year. It is worth noting that while the sale of alcohol is permitted during this time, individual businesses may choose to operate with different hours, especially during the holidays.

In Michigan, the rules regarding alcohol sales are governed by the Liquor Control Code and administrative rules, which set specific legal hours for selling alcohol on holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. These regulations are enforced by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), which provides reminders to retailers about the special holiday hours.

Alcohol sales are prohibited after 9 p.m. on December 24

In Michigan, alcohol sales are prohibited after 9 p.m. on December 24. This applies to all licensees that sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on or off the licensed premises. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has issued a clear directive to businesses holding liquor licenses: "The sale of alcoholic beverages must end on Christmas Eve, December 24, by midnight and may not begin again until noon on Christmas, December 25." This means that alcohol sales are halted for a period of 12 hours, from 11:59 p.m. on December 24 until 12:00 p.m. on December 25.

The MLCC's reminder to retailers highlights the importance of adhering to these regulations. The commission's message emphasizes that while alcohol sales are restricted during this period, establishments may remain open for the sale of other goods and services. This distinction is crucial for businesses to note, as it allows them to continue their operations while complying with the special holiday hours mandated by the state.

The state's rules on holiday alcohol sales apply to bars, restaurants, and stores that typically sell liquor, beer, wine, and all other types of alcoholic beverages. These establishments are subject to different regulations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day compared to the rest of the year. It's important for both retailers and consumers to be aware of these temporary changes to avoid any confusion or legal issues.

While the prohibition on alcohol sales after 9 p.m. on December 24 may be an inconvenience for some, it's important to recognize that these regulations are in place to promote public health and safety during the holiday season. By curbing excessive alcohol consumption, the state aims to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for all residents and visitors.

Alcohol sales are restricted until after 12 p.m. on Christmas Day

In Michigan, alcohol sales are restricted until after 12 pm on Christmas Day. This means that no alcohol can be sold between 11:59 pm on Christmas Eve and 12:00 pm on Christmas Day. This applies to all licensees that sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on or off the licensed premises.

This law is outlined in the Liquor Control Code and administrative rules, which state that the legal hours for selling alcohol differ on Christmas Day compared to the rest of the year. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has also communicated this rule to businesses holding liquor licenses.

The restriction on alcohol sales until after 12 pm on Christmas Day is in addition to the usual regulations on Sunday alcohol sales. In Michigan, alcohol sales on Sundays are only permitted after 7 am, and some counties may have stricter local ordinances in place.

While alcohol sales are restricted until after 12 pm on Christmas Day, establishments may still be open for the sale of other goods and services during this period.

Some stores don't sell alcohol on Sundays

In Michigan, you can buy alcohol from 7 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday. However, on Sundays, alcohol sales are restricted to noon to 2 am. Some stores don't sell alcohol at all on Sundays. This is due to a complex law that dates back hundreds of years. While the government cannot officially cite religious reasons for the ban, it is believed to be the primary motivation.

The National Alcohol Beverage Control Association has stated that state and local governments must instead justify these restrictions with public health and safety concerns, and curbing excessive alcohol consumption and its consequences.

Some other rules and regulations regarding alcohol sales in Michigan include:

• Alcohol cannot be sold to people under 21 or intoxicated persons.
• Retailers cannot sponsor contests that require alcohol or use it as a prize.
• Alcohol cannot be sold after 9 pm on December 24 and at all on December 25.
• On January 1, on-premise alcohol sales are allowed until 4 am.

Frequently asked questions