Georgia's Sunday Beer Buying Hours: When Can You Buy?

Alcohol sales laws in Georgia can be confusing because local jurisdictions are allowed to set their own, more restrictive rules. However, there are some statewide rules for alcohol sales. In Georgia, you can buy beer for off-premises consumption between 8:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, beer may be sold from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. On-premise consumption regulations vary by county.

Beer can be bought on Sundays in Georgia from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Georgia's alcohol laws can be confusing, as they vary by jurisdiction, and the state allows local governments to set more restrictive rules. However, one thing is clear: you can buy beer on Sundays in most of Georgia.

State Law

According to Georgia state law, alcohol sales are allowed on Sundays between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm. This applies to retailers such as grocery stores, gas stations, and liquor stores.

County and City Laws

Counties and cities in Georgia can place additional restrictions on alcohol sales. Some counties prohibit Sunday alcohol sales altogether, while others may have different time restrictions. For example, in Muscogee County, package stores are usually closed on Sundays, but alcohol can be purchased at bars until 12 am. Atlanta allows alcohol sales 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, and from 11 am to 12 am on Sundays.

On-Premise Consumption

On-premise consumption regulations vary by county and city. Some jurisdictions have a ""brunch law" that allows bars and restaurants to serve alcohol starting at 11 am on Sundays.

Dry Counties

It's important to note that Georgia has several dry counties, which place restrictions on the type of alcohol that can be sold and may further restrict the times and places where alcohol can be purchased.

Takeaway

So, if you're looking to buy beer on a Sunday in Georgia, make sure to check the local laws of the specific county or city you're in, as they may have more restrictive rules than the state law. But generally, you'll be able to find a cold one between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm!

Some counties in Georgia do not allow Sunday beer sales

While Georgia state laws allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm, some counties in the state do not permit Sunday alcohol sales.

In 2011, cities and counties across Georgia voted on whether to continue the ban on Sunday liquor sales, and 105 out of 127 communities lifted the prohibition. However, there are still some counties in Georgia that uphold the ban on Sunday alcohol sales. These "dry counties" do not allow the retail sale of liquor within their jurisdictions.

As of 2023, the dry counties in Georgia that prohibit Sunday alcohol sales include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, and Union counties. White County is also a dry county, but the city of Helen allows alcohol sales. Additionally, Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption in places like bars and restaurants, but do not have a law against alcohol sales for off-site consumption.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Georgia can vary widely, and it is essential to be aware of the specific regulations in each county. While some counties may have more restrictive rules, others may have more relaxed policies. For instance, some cities have enacted a ""brunch bill" that allows bars and restaurants to serve alcohol starting at 11 am on Sundays.

It is worth noting that the closing times for alcohol sales may differ based on the day of the week and the type of establishment. Generally, the last call for alcohol sales in Georgia is 2 am from Monday to Saturday and 11:30 pm on Sundays.

Local jurisdictions can set more restrictive rules than state law

In Georgia, the sale of alcohol is regulated by state laws, but these laws can vary from county to county. While state law sets the earliest and latest sales times, local jurisdictions can set more restrictive rules than state law. This means that the hours during which alcohol can be purchased can differ depending on the specific jurisdiction within Georgia.

For example, in terms of state law, alcohol sales in Georgia are generally allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. However, local jurisdictions can restrict these hours further. For instance, some counties may prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays altogether, while others may only allow sales during limited hours on that day.

Additionally, while Georgia law allows the sale of alcohol on certain holidays, such as St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, and the Sunday before Memorial and Labor Day, many counties prohibit all alcohol sales on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.

The variation in local laws can make it confusing to determine the specific rules that apply in a given area. As a result, it is important for individuals and businesses involved in the sale or service of alcohol to be aware of the specific regulations in their jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the law.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Georgia has dry counties, which do not allow for the retail sale of liquor at all. These dry counties include Coweta, Dodge, Franklin, Decatur, and Murray. While consumers can legally drink in these counties, the sale of alcohol is prohibited.

Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol from 11 am on Sundays

Georgia's alcohol laws can be confusing, as they vary by jurisdiction and county. While the state government sets the earliest and latest sales times, local jurisdictions can set more restrictive rules.

Bars and restaurants in Georgia can serve alcohol from 11 am on Sundays. This is known as the "'brunch law'", and it applies to on-premise consumption only. On every other day of the week, bars and restaurants can start serving alcohol at 9 am and have to stop by 2 am.

The "brunch law" was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help restaurants stay afloat. It allows restaurants to sell a maximum of two alcoholic beverages per entree, and drinks must be sealed and placed in the glove box or trunk of the customer's car.

It's important to note that Georgia's alcohol laws vary by county, and there are some ""dry counties" that prohibit the sale of alcohol altogether. Additionally, some counties may have different rules for on-premise consumption, so it's always a good idea to check the local laws before purchasing or consuming alcohol in Georgia.

Dry counties in Georgia prohibit retail liquor sales

Georgia's alcohol laws can be confusing, as they vary by jurisdiction. While the state does not heavily restrict the sale, production, or consumption of liquor, certain counties are "dry counties", meaning they prohibit retail liquor sales.

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, but the city of Helen is wet. Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption in bars and restaurants, but there is no law against alcohol sales for off-site consumption. Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but allows alcohol service in bars and restaurants as of 2014.

These dry counties reflect laws left over from the days of Prohibition, when lawmakers were interested in curtailing American drinking. While Georgia is not a dry state, these dry counties place restrictions on the type of alcohol that can be sold and may further restrict the times and places where beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased.

In Georgia, you can buy beer for off-premises consumption between 8:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, beer may be sold from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. However, these times may vary depending on the county, as counties can restrict permitted alcohol sale hours.

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