Pensacola's Sunday Beer Buying Hours: When Can I Buy?

Pensacola has had a number of 'blue laws' in place, which restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays. However, in 2021, the Escambia County Commission voted to end the ban on Sunday alcohol sales, allowing alcohol to be sold every day, except between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. Previously, Escambia County prohibited retail alcohol sales between 2:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sundays, except on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, where sales could commence from 7 a.m. Now, with the new ordinance, residents of Pensacola can purchase beer on Sundays at any time outside of the restricted hours.

Alcohol sales restrictions in Escambia County

Historically, Escambia County prohibited retail alcohol sales between 2:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sundays. This restriction applied to the entire county, except for Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, where alcohol sales were permitted from 7 a.m. on Sundays. This discrepancy in rules based on geographic location was noted as unfair by Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh.

In response to this inconsistency, the Escambia County Commission voted in favour of amending the ordinance. The new ordinance removes the restriction on Sunday alcohol sales, allowing alcohol sales every day, except between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. This change was made to standardise the rules across the county and provide fairness to all establishments, regardless of their location.

The updated ordinance was passed without any discussion or opposition from the County Commission, indicating a unanimous decision. The only comment recorded during the process was from Escambia County resident Larry Downs Jr., who frequently addressed the commission, requesting the end of the alcohol sales restriction.

It is important to note that while the new ordinance removes the specific Sunday sales ban, it still adheres to the County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Article I, Section 6-1, which sets the daily hours for alcohol sales in Escambia County as 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Any sale or purchase of alcohol outside these hours is considered unlawful within the county.

Santa Rosa County alcohol laws

In Santa Rosa County, Florida, there are specific laws that govern the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. These laws, often referred to as "blue laws," are designed to restrict alcohol-related activities, particularly on Sundays.

According to the County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3, Article I, Section 3-1, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited during specific hours in certain areas of the county. Specifically, in the unincorporated areas of the county, alcoholic beverages cannot be sold, consumed, or served between midnight on Saturday night and 7:00 a.m. on Monday morning. This restriction ensures that residents and businesses in those areas cannot purchase or serve alcohol during those specified hours.

However, there are exceptions to this rule within the county. In the portion of Santa Rosa Island known as Navarre Beach, the sale and purchase of alcoholic beverages is prohibited between 2:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, every day of the week. This means that on Sundays, alcohol sales can commence at 7:00 a.m. on Navarre Beach. Additionally, businesses selling alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption on Navarre Beach are required to post a notice of the permitted sales and purchase hours.

The South Santa Rosa County Tourist Development District has slightly different regulations. In the South Santa Rosa Tourist Development District (Navarre Beach), alcohol sales are permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. every day. Meanwhile, in the mainland district, alcohol sales are allowed from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and from noon to midnight on Sundays.

It's worth noting that these laws specifically address the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and may not cover other alcohol-related activities. Additionally, while these regulations provide a framework for alcohol sales in Santa Rosa County, there may be additional laws or ordinances at the city or local level that further govern alcohol-related activities.

Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key alcohol sales

In Pensacola, Florida, there are varying rules regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays, depending on the specific location within Escambia County.

On Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, the sale of alcohol is permitted from 7 a.m. onwards on Sundays. This is an exception to the rule in Escambia County, which previously prohibited retail alcohol sales between 2:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sundays. However, as of February 2021, the Escambia County Commission voted to end this restriction, allowing alcohol sales every day at all times, except between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

This change was proposed by Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who argued that it was illogical to have different rules for alcohol sales based on geographic location within the county. The new ordinance means that alcohol sales are now consistent across Escambia County, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.

Alcohol Sales in Other Areas of Escambia County

In other areas of Escambia County, Florida, the sale of alcohol is generally permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. each day of the week. It is unlawful to sell or purchase alcohol in the county between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Alcohol Sales in Santa Rosa County

Santa Rosa County has separate regulations for alcohol sales. In the unincorporated areas of the county, no alcoholic beverages may be sold or consumed between midnight on Saturday and 7:00 a.m. on Monday. On Navarre Beach, alcohol sales are prohibited between 2:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. each day. However, in the South Santa Rosa County Tourist Development District, alcohol sales are allowed during extended hours: 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. each day in the Navarre Beach area, and 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday in the mainland area.

Alcohol Delivery Services in Pensacola

For those who wish to purchase alcohol without visiting a physical store, Pensacola offers several delivery options. Uber Eats provides alcohol delivery from various liquor stores, corner stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Beach Liquors, Walgreens, Total Wine & More, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and Gopuff are some of the retailers available on the platform. Additionally, Pensacola Bay Brewery offers curbside pick-up services daily, including weekends.

Alcohol delivery services

In Pensacola, Florida, there are several blue laws that restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays. In Escambia County, alcoholic beverages can be sold and purchased from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. every day, while in Santa Rosa County, there are specific regulations for different areas. Despite these restrictions, there are still options for alcohol delivery services in Pensacola that can bring beer, wine, or liquor right to your door.

Postmates

Postmates offers alcohol delivery from a variety of stores and restaurants in Pensacola, including ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Total Wine & More, Beach Liquors, and Gopuff. They promise to satisfy your alcohol cravings at any time and provide free delivery through their Postmates Unlimited service.

Instacart

Instacart connects you with a personal shopper who will buy your desired alcohol from nearby stores and deliver it to your doorstep. The app allows you to track your order and communicate with your shopper. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, and they offer alcohol delivery from stores like ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and BJ's Wholesale Club Liquor.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats provides alcohol delivery from liquor stores, corner stores, supermarkets, and restaurants in Pensacola. You can track your order's ETA, and it may arrive in under an hour. Uber Eats partners with stores like Beach Liquors, Walgreens, Total Wine & More, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for alcohol delivery.

Pensacola Liquors

Pensacola Liquors claims to be the biggest liquor store in Pensacola, offering a wide range of wines and liquors. They have a team of connoisseurs dedicated to finding the finest liquors from around the world. You can contact them via email or phone to place an order or inquire about their products.

Curbside pick-up services

Pensacola has what are known as "'blue laws', which restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays. However, these laws have been relaxed in recent years, and now the sale of alcohol is permitted every day, except between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

If you're looking to purchase beer on a Sunday, many stores offer a curbside pickup service. Pensacola Bay Brewery, for example, offers a daily curbside pickup service from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday to Sunday. You can place your order online or by phone.

There are also several options for alcohol delivery in Pensacola, including Uber Eats, which offers same-day delivery from a variety of liquor stores, corner shops, and supermarkets. You can also use Uber Eats to browse pickup options if you'd prefer to collect your beer yourself.

Gopuff and Walgreens also offer alcohol delivery in Pensacola.

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