Thanksgiving Beer Buying: Timing Your Holiday Cheer

Thanksgiving is a busy time, with lots of grocery shopping and menu planning to do. It can be easy to forget to stock up on alcohol for the holiday. Whether you're after beer, wine, or spirits, it's worth knowing that the laws around buying alcohol on Thanksgiving vary from state to state. Some states allow the sale of beer and wine, but not spirits, and some don't permit any alcohol sales at all. Even within states, the rules can differ by county or city, and some privately-owned stores may choose to close for the holiday. So, if you're planning on buying alcohol on Thanksgiving, it's a good idea to check the laws in your specific location and call ahead to your local store to make sure they're open.

Beer and wine availability in supermarkets and convenience stores

The availability of beer and wine in supermarkets and convenience stores on Thanksgiving depends on the state. Some states allow the sale of beer and wine in supermarkets and convenience stores, while others restrict it to beer only or prohibit alcohol sales altogether. Here is a breakdown of the rules in different states:

States that allow beer and wine sales in supermarkets and convenience stores on Thanksgiving:

• District of Columbia
• Kentucky (some counties restrict liquor sales)
• Louisiana (some areas restrict liquor sales)
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon (some stores may be closed)
• Pennsylvania (state-operated liquor stores are closed)
• Virginia

States that only allow beer sales in supermarkets and convenience stores on Thanksgiving:

• Alabama
• Mississippi

States that prohibit alcohol sales in supermarkets and convenience stores on Thanksgiving:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Idaho (depends on the city or county)
• Kansas
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales can vary from county to county and city to city within a state. Additionally, privately-owned stores may choose to remain open or closed on Thanksgiving, even in states where alcohol sales are permitted. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local stores or contact your state's alcohol control board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

States with a full alcohol ban on Thanksgiving

The sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving is determined by local and state regulations. While some states allow liquor stores to operate, others enforce a full ban. Here is a list of states that typically prohibit alcohol sales on Thanksgiving:

Alabama

Beer and wine may be purchased, but the sale of liquor is prohibited on Thanksgiving. While privately-owned stores may remain open, state-run stores are typically closed.

Mississippi

Mississippi has some of the more restrictive alcohol laws in the country. On Thanksgiving, the sale of spirits other than beer is banned. Liquor stores are required by law to be closed, but beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores.

Montana

Montana only permits the sale of liquor in state-run stores, which are closed on Thanksgiving. Beer and wine, with an alcohol content below 16%, can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire restricts liquor sales to about 70 state-run stores, which are closed on Thanksgiving. Alcoholic beverages below 6% ABV can be sold in grocery and convenience stores.

North Carolina

North Carolina operates all liquor stores in the state. State law prohibits the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving. Beer and wine are, however, available in grocery and convenience stores.

Ohio

Ohio is a control state, meaning distilled spirits can only be purchased at state-run stores. While there is no explicit prohibition on the sale of alcohol during the holidays, these stores have been known to close on Thanksgiving. Beer and wine, with an ABV below 21%, are available in grocery and convenience stores.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma restricts the sale of liquor to liquor stores, and state law prohibits the sale of distilled spirits on Thanksgiving. Beer and wine can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores.

Texas

Texas bans the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving. Beer and wine are available for purchase at grocery and convenience stores, but liquor can only be sold at liquor stores, which are required to close on the holiday.

Virginia

Virginia restricts the sale of distilled spirits to state-run ABC stores, which are closed on Thanksgiving. Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores.

It is important to note that laws and regulations may change, and exceptions can exist within states. It is always a good idea to check with individual stores or contact the state's alcohol control board for the most up-to-date information.

States allowing beer and wine sales on Thanksgiving

Whether you can buy beer and wine on Thanksgiving depends on the state. Some states allow beer and wine sales, while others don't. Even within a state, the rules can vary by county or city. It's always a good idea to check with individual stores or your state's alcohol control board for the most accurate and updated information. Here are some states that typically allow the sale of beer and wine on Thanksgiving:

• Alabama: Beer and wine may be purchased, but liquor sales are prohibited.
• District of Columbia: Beer and wine are available for purchase, but spirits sales are forbidden. However, some counties or parishes within the District may restrict alcohol sales on Thanksgiving.
• Kentucky: While some counties in Kentucky restrict liquor sales on Thanksgiving, beer and wine sales are generally permitted.
• Louisiana: Liquor stores in Louisiana are typically open on Thanksgiving, but some areas and parishes impose restrictions on liquor sales.
• Oregon: Liquor stores in Oregon may choose to remain open or closed on Thanksgiving.

It's worth noting that the laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales can change, and privately-owned stores may have different operating hours than state-owned stores. Therefore, it's always recommended to check with specific stores or the state's alcohol control board for the most up-to-date information.

States prohibiting all alcohol sales on Thanksgiving

The sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving is determined by the state, with each state's alcohol beverage authority setting its own guidelines. While some states allow the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving, there are others that prohibit it. Here are some states that prohibit all alcohol sales on Thanksgiving:

Alabama

While Alabama generally permits the sale of beer and wine, the sale of spirits is prohibited on Thanksgiving.

Mississippi

On Thanksgiving in Mississippi, all spirits except beer are banned.

Montana

Montana has a strict ban on the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, the sale of liquor and wine is prohibited on Thanksgiving.

North Carolina

North Carolina has a ban on the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving.

Ohio

Ohio prohibits the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma also prohibits the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving.

Texas

Texas is another state that bans the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving.

Virginia

Virginia prohibits the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving, but privately-owned liquor stores may choose to open.

It is important to note that these laws can vary by county or city within a state, and some privately owned retailers may be exempt from these prohibitions. It is always a good idea to check with your local stores or the state's alcohol control board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Liquor store opening times on Thanksgiving

Whether liquor stores will be open on Thanksgiving depends on the state and even the county or city. Some states allow liquor stores to operate, while others don't. Even within a state, some counties or cities may allow the sale of alcohol, while others don't.

In general, states with state-operated liquor stores that are typically open on Thanksgiving Day include:

• Louisiana, though some areas restrict liquor sales
• Oregon (some are open, some are closed)
• Pennsylvania, but state-operated liquor stores are closed

States with state-owned liquor stores that are typically closed on Thanksgiving Day include:

• Alabama (beer and wine may be purchased, but not liquor)
• Mississippi (all spirits other than beer are banned)
• Montana (no liquor sales)
• New Hampshire (no liquor or wine may be purchased)
• North Carolina (no liquor sales)
• Ohio (no liquor sales)
• Oklahoma (no liquor sales)
• Texas (no liquor sales)
• Virginia (no liquor sales)

In some states, grocery stores may sell alcohol, even if liquor stores are closed. For example, in Pennsylvania, privately-owned liquor stores may choose to open, and grocery stores may sell beer on Thanksgiving, but not wine.

Even if your state allows liquor stores to be open on Thanksgiving, it's always a good idea to check with individual stores, as their hours may vary depending on ownership. You can also contact your state's alcohol control board for the most updated information.

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