Buying Beer In Onondaga County: Legal Hours Explained

Onondaga County, New York, is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with over 20 breweries and taprooms. The county's breweries offer a wide range of unique beers, from traditional ales and lagers to quirky beer-like beverages made from fruits and vegetables. Beer enthusiasts can explore various options, including well-known breweries like Middle Ages Brewing Co. and Syracuse Suds Factory, as well as newer establishments such as Talking Cursive Brewing Co. and WT Brews. With such a diverse selection, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a cold pint or growler to go at any time of the week, as long as they are aware of the alcohol sales restrictions in the county.

Beer buying hours in Onondaga County

Grocery and Convenience Stores

Beer can be sold for off-premises consumption during the following hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Liquor and Wine Stores

These are the hours for off-premises consumption:

• Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Restaurants, Bars, and Taverns

Beer can be sold for on-premises consumption during the following hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

It's important to note that these hours may vary slightly in incorporated places within Onondaga County, and there are also special provisions for certain holidays like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.

Alcohol sales timings in bars and restaurants

Alcohol sales timings for bars and restaurants in Onondaga County, New York, are as follows:

Alcoholic beverages can be served in bars and restaurants from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am on Sundays and from 8:00 am to 2:00 am, Monday through Saturday. These timings are consistent across the county, including in incorporated areas. However, it is worth noting that Christmas Day and New Year's Eve are exceptions, with normal hours applying on these days.

The timing restrictions on alcohol sales in bars and restaurants are part of the state's alcohol control laws, which were implemented after the end of Prohibition in 1934. These laws, commonly referred to as "blue laws," have been updated over the years to reflect modern times. For example, the state previously lifted restrictions on Sunday sales at package liquor stores and expanded the hours that grocers could sell beer on Sundays.

The state continues to consider further updates to its alcohol laws. For instance, there have been proposals to allow alcohol sales at bars and restaurants earlier on Sunday mornings, with one option being to change the law to permit sales from 8:00 am on Sundays, aligning with the other days of the week.

It is important to stay informed about the legal alcohol sales timings in Onondaga County to ensure compliance with the law and avoid any penalties or consequences.

Liquor and wine store timings

In Onondaga County, liquor and wine stores are permitted to sell alcohol for off-site consumption during the following hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Friday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

These timings remain the same on Christmas Day. However, if Christmas Eve falls on a day other than Sunday, liquor stores can remain open until 10:00 pm. On New Year's Eve, stores can stay open until 10:00 pm, unless it falls on a Sunday, in which case normal hours apply.

In comparison, bars and restaurants in Onondaga County are allowed to serve alcohol on their premises from 8:00 am to 2:00 am, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol can be served from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am.

It is important to note that these timings may differ in incorporated places within Onondaga County. Additionally, the laws regarding alcohol sales are subject to change, so it is always a good idea to refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Grocery and convenience store timings

In Onondaga County, beer may be sold for off-premises consumption during the following hours:

• Weekdays: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m.
• Sundays: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m.
• Christmas Day: Normal hours apply
• New Year's Eve: Normal hours apply

These hours are applicable to grocery and convenience stores.

In the past, the hours that grocers could sell beer were more restricted on Sundays. Before 2006, beer sales were prohibited from 3:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sundays. After the law was changed, the prohibited hours shifted to 3:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.

Alcohol sales on Sunday mornings

In terms of liquor and wine sales, timings differ again. Liquor and wine can be sold for off-premises consumption from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays, with extended hours until 9:00 pm from Monday to Thursday.

These laws are subject to some exceptions on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, when alcohol sales are typically extended until 10:00 pm. However, on Christmas Day, normal hours apply, and the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited.

The state of New York has considered updating its alcohol laws, including the possibility of lifting the ban on Sunday morning alcohol sales in restaurants, bars, and taverns. This change would bring Sunday sales in line with the timings for the rest of the week, which currently start at 8:00 am. Alternatively, individual bars or restaurants could obtain a special permit to serve alcohol during Sunday mornings. These proposals, if approved by the state legislature and signed by the governor, could provide more flexibility for businesses and consumers in Onondaga County and across New York.

Frequently asked questions