Jason Wagner
Vermont's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to the legal hours for purchasing beer. The state has a unique arrangement where it contracts with private retailers to sell alcohol instead of operating state-owned stores. Beer is typically available for purchase from on-premise retailers like bars and restaurants, as well as off-premise retailers like grocery and convenience stores. On-premise retailers are permitted to sell alcohol between 8 am and 2 am, while off-premise retailers can sell from 6 am to midnight. These laws apply throughout the week, including Sundays, as Vermont does not have any additional restrictions on Sunday sales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| On-premise retailers can sell alcohol | 8 am to 2 am |
| Off-premise retailers can sell alcohol | 6 am to midnight |
| Minimum drinking age | 21 |
| Minimum age to serve alcohol | 18 |
| Minimum age to work in a liquor store | 16 |
| Open container law | Yes |
| BAC limit for drivers under 21 | 0.02% |
| BAC limit for drivers 21 and older | 0.08% |
What You'll Learn
On-premise retailers can sell alcohol between 8 am and 2 am
Vermont has a unique arrangement for the sale of alcohol. The state contracts with private retailers to sell alcohol, rather than operating state-owned stores. Beer and lower-alcohol wines are usually available in convenience and grocery stores.
On-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcohol between 8 am and 2 am. This includes establishments like:
- Bars and restaurants
- Package and liquor stores
- Breweries and taprooms
On-premise retailers are allowed to sell alcohol for on-premise consumption and, in some cases, for off-premise consumption as well. For example, to-go orders from bars and restaurants can include alcohol between 10 am and 11 pm. Additionally, breweries and brewpubs can sell alcohol for both on-premise and off-premise consumption.
It's important to note that Vermont has strict alcohol regulations, such as prohibiting the sale of alcohol to individuals who are drunk, appear drunk, or are likely to become drunk. Establishments are required to ensure that intoxicated individuals do not continue consuming alcohol. These regulations are in place to promote public safety and responsible drinking.
Understanding the specific alcohol purchasing hours in Vermont is essential for both consumers and businesses to stay compliant with local laws.
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Off-premise retailers can sell between 6 am and midnight
Vermont's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to the hours that off-premise retailers can sell beer. Here is a detailed overview of the rules governing these sales:
Off-premise retailers in Vermont, such as grocery stores, are allowed to sell beer and other alcoholic beverages between the hours of 6 am and midnight. This means that you can purchase beer from these retailers as early as 6 am and as late as midnight every day of the week, including Sundays. This is in contrast to on-premise retailers, such as bars and restaurants, which are allowed to sell alcohol between the hours of 8 am and 2 am.
It's important to note that these rules apply to the majority of the state, but there may be some local variations. Additionally, Vermont has four dry towns where alcohol cannot be purchased at all.
The state of Vermont has a unique arrangement for the sale of alcohol. Unlike some other states, Vermont does not operate state-owned liquor stores. Instead, it contracts with private retailers to sell alcohol. This means that beer and lower-alcohol wine are typically available in convenience and grocery stores, in addition to dedicated liquor stores.
Vermont also has some strict alcohol regulations in place to discourage dangerous behaviour and protect the public. For example, it is against the rules to sell alcohol to anyone who is drunk, appears drunk, or is likely to become drunk. Establishments are required to make intoxicated individuals leave the premises. Additionally, bartenders are not allowed to consume alcohol while they are working.
Vermont's alcohol laws also control pricing and discourage excessive consumption. For example, establishments are not allowed to offer happy hour discounts for limited periods, although they can reduce prices for an entire day. The state also sets wholesale prices for alcohol, and establishments are prohibited from selling alcohol for less than this price or giving it away for free.
Understanding Vermont's alcohol laws is essential for both consumers and businesses to ensure they stay compliant with local regulations.
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Vermont allows alcohol delivery and growlers
The state allows alcohol delivery, with some rules depending on the retailer. For example, deliveries from off-premise retailers can only be made between 9 am and 5 pm, and they can deliver up to 12 cases or 36 gallons of beer per year. Additionally, orders from restaurants or bars must be sealed with tamper-evident methods and must include food.
Vermont also permits the sale of growlers, which are unsealed containers such as cans or bottles. Breweries, brewpubs, bars, and restaurants can sell and fill growlers, usually requiring them to be made of brown glass and cleaned before filling. The most common growler sizes are 32 and 64 ounces.
Vermont's drinking laws are designed to protect the public and discourage dangerous behaviour involving alcohol. While the state does not have enhanced BAC penalties, it does have strict laws against drinking and driving, with penalties including license suspension, fines, and even jail time for repeat offenders.
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The minimum drinking age in Vermont is 21
Vermont has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the country. For example, it is against the rules to sell alcohol to anyone who is drunk, appears drunk, or is likely to become drunk. Establishments are also required to make drunk patrons leave.
Vermont has a unique arrangement for the sale of alcohol. The state contracts with private retailers to sell alcohol, rather than operating state-owned stores. Beer and lower-alcohol wine are available in convenience and grocery stores. Alcohol can be purchased seven days a week, from 6 am to 2 am in bars and restaurants, and from 6 am to midnight in retail stores.
Vermont has an open container law, which means that no previously opened bottles of alcohol may be transported in the main compartment of a vehicle. They must be in the trunk. The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers is .08 percent, at which point the state requires no further evidence to prosecute for DUI. For drivers under 21, the limit is .02 BAC.
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Vermont has an open container law
The open container law in Vermont applies to the passenger areas of the vehicle, which includes the glove compartment unless it is locked. The law does not apply to items stored in the trunk of the car, behind the back seat (if there is no trunk), or in the living quarters of a motor home or coach.
There are some exceptions to the open container law in Vermont. Passengers of certain types of vehicles, such as for-hire vehicles, are exempt from the law. Additionally, passengers over the age of 21 are permitted to possess and consume alcohol inside these exempt vehicles, as long as the driver does not have possession of the unsealed beverage.
Vermont also allows for the transportation of partially consumed alcoholic beverages from restaurants, as long as the bottle is resealed and stored outside of the passenger area.
Violating the open container law in Vermont is considered a civil violation and can result in fines but no jail time. The maximum fine for alcohol open container violations is $25 for both drivers and passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
In Vermont, you can buy beer from 6 am to midnight from off-premise retailers such as grocery stores.
No, Vermont has specific hours for beer sales. Off-premise retailers can sell beer from 6 am to midnight, while on-premise retailers can sell from 8 am to 2 am.
No, you can buy beer in Vermont seven days a week. There are no additional restrictions on Sundays or holidays.
Yes, there are four dry towns in Vermont where you cannot buy beer. These towns have chosen to prohibit the sale of alcohol.
Yes, bars and restaurants in Vermont are considered on-premise retailers and can sell beer from 8 am to 2 am.
