Best Time To Buy Beer On Thursdays

The time at which you can buy beer depends on where you are in the world. In the United States, for example, the time varies by state and even by county. In Texas, beer can be purchased from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, while in Mississippi, beer can only be purchased between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. In some states, such as California, there are no state-wide restrictions, but local jurisdictions may impose their own rules.

Alcohol sales by time of day

Alcohol sales laws vary widely across the United States, with different states and even counties having their own unique regulations. These laws are governed by a complex system of federal, state, and local laws. While federal alcohol restrictions apply to all states, local laws govern smaller jurisdictions.

In general, alcohol selling hours are dictated by the premises or business type, the alcohol type, and the day of the week. On-premises sales refer to drinks purchased in restaurants and bars, while off-premises sales refer to bottles or cans bought at grocery stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores. Some states also restrict sales hours based on alcohol type, such as liquor, wine, or beer, or the alcohol content, usually in alcohol by volume (ABV).

Alabama

Beer and wine are not controlled by the state, but spirits are. On-premises and off-premises liquor sales are limited to 2 am on Sundays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but spirits cannot. Alcohol can be served 24 hours a day unless restricted by local ordinances. Alabama also has a 6% ABV cap on beer sales and a 14.9% ABV limit on wine.

Alaska

There is no state control over alcohol sales in Alaska. Sales are allowed from 8 am to 5 am every day. Liquor sales are not permitted in grocery stores.

Arizona

Arizona also has no state control over alcohol sales, and sales are permitted from 6 am to 2 am, seven days a week. Drive-through liquor stores are legal in this state.

Arkansas

Arkansas does not have state control over alcohol distribution. On-premises sales vary depending on the class of the establishment, with different hours for Class A Private Clubs, Class B, and restaurants. Off-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to 1 am Monday through Friday and until midnight on Saturdays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only in-state-produced wine is permitted, and spirits are not allowed. Sunday and Christmas Day sales are prohibited, except in certain areas.

California

California does not have state control over sales, and alcohol can be sold from 6 am to 2 am daily. Wine, beer, and spirits are permitted to be sold in grocery stores. While California has lenient laws about liquor promotion, counties can restrict sales with local laws. The sale of alcohol above 76.5% ABV is illegal.

Colorado

Colorado does not have state control over sales, and alcohol can be purchased from 7 am to 2 am on-premises and from 8 am to midnight off-premises. Only 3.2% ABV beer can be sold in grocery stores. Liquor stores are only allowed to operate one location, and absinthe is legal.

Connecticut

Connecticut does not have state control over sales, and alcohol can be purchased on-premises from 9 am to 1 am Monday through Thursday and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Off-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and sales are not permitted on Sundays or holidays. Beer can be sold in grocery stores.

Delaware

Delaware does not have state control, and on-premises and off-premises sales are allowed from 9 am to 1 am Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, sales are permitted from noon to 8 pm, subject to local ordinances. Holiday sales are not allowed, and off-premises sales outside of licensed liquor stores, taprooms, or brewpubs are prohibited.

Florida

In Florida, the sale, service, or consumption of alcoholic beverages is typically prohibited between midnight and 7 am daily. However, in some municipalities, customers can purchase alcohol until 3 am, and retailers cannot sell alcohol between 3 am and 7 am. Miami-Dade County is one of the few counties that allow 24-hour sales, seven days a week.

Georgia

Georgia has interesting liquor laws, with hours of sale determined by the county. There is no state-wide restriction on off-premises sales, but Sunday off-premises sales are prohibited from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm. In certain areas, public consumption is allowed with limitations, such as only one drink on the street and a size limit of 16 oz.

Hawaii

Hawaii does not have state control over sales, and on-premises sales are allowed from 11:50 am to 6 am with the proper cabaret licensing. Off-premises sales are permitted from 11:50 am to 12 am. Spirits, beer, and wine can be sold in grocery stores.

Idaho

In Idaho, spirit sales are controlled by the state, and on-premises sales are allowed from 10 am to 1 am. Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores, and beverages exceeding 16% ABV can only be sold in state dispensaries or contracted stores.

Illinois

Illinois does not have state control over sales, and on-premises sales are allowed from 6 am to 4 am. All beverages can be sold in grocery stores, and sales laws are determined by local municipalities. Sunday sales are not permitted until 11 am.

Indiana

Indiana does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to 3 am Monday through Saturday and from 10:30 am to 12:30 am on Sundays. Off-premises sales are permitted from 7 am to 3 am, but off-premises sales are prohibited on Sundays. Sales are also prohibited on Christmas, New Year's Day, and election day before the polls close. Alcohol can be sold in supermarkets.

Iowa

In Iowa, spirit sales are controlled by the state, and alcohol can be purchased from 6 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and from 8 am to 2 am on Sundays. Grocery stores are permitted to sell alcohol. All beer above 6% ABV must be shipped from the state warehouse.

Kansas

Kansas has some of the strictest liquor laws in the nation, with all alcohol prohibited from 1881 to 1948 and on-premises sales prohibited until 1987. Sunday sales have only been allowed since 2005. In counties that allow on-premises sales, alcohol can be sold from 9 am to 2 am, and off-premises sales are permitted from 9 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, off-premises sales are allowed from noon to 7 or 8 pm. Only 29 counties allow on-premises sales, and 59 counties only permit it if the establishment makes at least 30% of its profits from alcohol. Sales are prohibited on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Only 3.2% ABV beer is available in grocery stores.

Kentucky

Kentucky has complex liquor laws, with many exceptions, so it's essential to check local laws. On-premises sales are allowed from 6 am to 4 am, and off-premises sales are permitted from 6 am to 2 pm. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores. Louisville allows on-premises sales from 2 am to 4 am. While Sunday sales are allowed, they can be overruled locally. Out of 120 counties, 53 are completely dry, 16 have some cities that allow sales, and only 17 counties allow sales without restriction.

Louisiana

Louisiana does not have state control, and alcohol sales hours are set by local jurisdictions. In some areas, such as Cameron Parish and the metro areas of New Orleans and Lake Charles, bars are open 24 hours. In Shreveport, bars stop selling alcohol at 6 am downtown and 4 am elsewhere. Most other municipalities stop on-premises service at 3 am or earlier.

Maine

Maine controls spirit sales, and alcohol can be purchased from 6 am to 1 am Monday through Saturday and from 9 am to 1 am on Sundays. Beer and wine can be bought in grocery stores, but wine above 15.5% ABV must be sold in state-contracted stores. Alcohol sales are not permitted after 1 am any day.

Maryland

Maryland's liquor laws vary by locality, with some counties prohibiting Sunday sales and others allowing them. Some areas restrict alcohol heavily, but there are no completely dry counties. Some alcohol is permitted to be sold in grocery stores in certain counties.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not have state control over distribution, and on-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to 1 am, or 2 am in Boston. Off-premises sales are permitted from 8 am to 11 pm, and Sunday sales start at noon. Cities can shorten these times, and some convenience stores are licensed to sell beer, but grocery stores and gas stations cannot. Happy hours are prohibited, and customers can only purchase two drinks at a time on-premises.

Michigan

Michigan controls spirit sales, and on-premises and off-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am. On Sundays, sales are permitted from noon to 2 am. Any liquor can be sold at grocery stores and convenience stores, except for gas stations in Wayne County. On New Year's Day, sales are allowed until 4 am. Sales of liquor after 9 pm on December 24 and all of Christmas Day are prohibited.

Minnesota

Minnesota does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am. Off-premises sales are permitted from 8 am to 10 pm, but off-premises sales are not allowed on Sundays. Local ordinances can modify these hours, and growler sales are allowed until 10 pm.

Mississippi

Mississippi controls spirit distribution, and local municipalities typically dictate alcohol sales hours. Alcohol can be purchased from 10 am to 10 pm, Monday through Saturday. Sunday and Christmas Day sales are prohibited. Coastal casinos can provide free alcohol 24/7.

Missouri

Missouri has permissive alcohol laws, and on-premises and off-premises sales are allowed from 6 am to 1:30 am every day. Some bars and nightclubs with special licenses can serve until 3 am, mainly in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Lake of the Ozarks. There are no state open container laws, and parents and guardians may give their children alcohol.

Montana

Montana controls spirit sales, and beer and wine below 16% ABV may be sold in grocery stores. Alcohol above this ABV must be sold in state-controlled stores. On-premises sales are limited to 2 am.

Nebraska

Nebraska does not have state control, and alcohol sales are allowed from 6 am to 1 am. Liquor stores may open earlier in certain areas with local approval. Sunday sales can vary by jurisdiction, but hard liquor cannot be purchased before noon on Sundays. All alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores.

Nevada

Nevada does not control alcohol distribution, and there are minimal restrictions. Stores can operate 24 hours a day, and liquor can be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Public intoxication is legal, and local laws cannot prohibit it.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire controls spirit sales, and on-premises sales are allowed from 6 am to 1 am. Off-premises sales are permitted until 11:45 pm. Beer can be sold in grocery stores, but there is a 12% ABV cap on beer sold in the state. Liquor is sold in state-run stores, including those located along highway rest areas.

New Jersey

New Jersey does not have state control, and hours of sale are regulated by each municipality. Beer and wine can occasionally be sold in grocery stores, but there are some dry counties, especially in the southern part of the state.

New Mexico

New Mexico does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am. Off-premises sales are permitted until midnight, except on Sundays. Some stores can apply for licenses to sell alcohol on Sundays, but sales on Christmas are never permitted. Alcohol can be sold in grocery stores.

New York

New York does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to 4 am. Off-premises beer sales are always available, except from 3 am to 8 am on Sundays. Wine and spirits can be purchased from 9 am to midnight Monday through Saturday and from noon to 9 pm on Sundays. Beer can only be sold in supermarkets, while wine and spirits must be bought at liquor stores.

North Carolina

North Carolina controls spirit sales, and on-premises sales are allowed at any time except from 2 am to 7 am Monday through Saturday and from 2 am to noon on Sundays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only state-run stores can sell liquor from 11 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday. There is a 15% ABV limit on beer.

North Dakota

North Dakota does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and from noon to 2 am on Sundays. Off-premises sales are permitted until 2 am. Sales are restricted on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve.

Ohio

Ohio controls spirit sales, and on-premises and off-premises sales are allowed from 5:30 am to 2:30 am. Grocery stores can sell all forms of alcohol. The state licenses private businesses for a fee. There is a 12% ABV limit on beer.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am. Off-premises sales are permitted from 10 am to 9 pm. Only 3.2% ABV beer can be sold in supermarkets, and beer above 4% ABV can only be sold at room temperature in liquor stores, which are closed on Sundays and some holidays.

Oregon

Oregon controls spirit sales, and on-premises and off-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to 2:30 am. Beer and wine can be sold at supermarkets, but liquor is only available at state-run liquor stores.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania controls wine and spirit sales, and on-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday and from 11 am to 2 am on Sundays with a special permit. If non-alcohol sales make up at least 30% of sales, private clubs can sell until 3 am. Wine and spirits can only be purchased at state-run liquor stores, which operate from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 pm on Sundays.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed until 2 am. Off-premises sales are permitted from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 pm on Sundays. Alcohol can only be sold in liquor stores.

South Carolina

South Carolina does not have state control, and on-premises sales hours are controlled locally and vary. Beer and low-alcohol wine can be sold 24 hours a day, while liquor can be sold from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, at liquor stores. There is a 17.5% ABV cap on beer and a 16% cap on wine. Alcohol sales are prohibited on election day.

South Dakota

South Dakota does not have state control, and alcohol selling hours run from 7 am to 2 am.

Tennessee

Tennessee does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to 3 am Monday through Saturday and from 10 am to 3 am on Sundays. Off-premises sales are permitted from 8 am to 11 pm, except on Sundays. Beer can be sold in supermarkets, and open container laws apply only to the driver of a vehicle, not the passengers.

Texas

Texas does not have state control, and on-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to midnight or 2 am. Off-premises beer sales are permitted from 7 am to midnight Monday through Friday, 7 am to 1 am on Saturday, and from noon to midnight on Sunday. Hard liquor can be sold from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but alcohol above 15.5% ABV requires additional licensing. On Sundays, between 10 am and noon, on-premises beverages must be accompanied by food.

Utah

Utah frequently changes its state liquor laws, and there are specific regulations for different types of alcohol and venues. In restaurants, alcohol can be sold from 10 am to 1 am, and private clubs can serve liquor during the same hours as beer. Off-premises sales vary but are state-run and close no later than 10 pm. Only 3.2% ABV beer can be sold in supermarkets. Alcohol cannot be served on election day until after 8 pm.

Vermont

Vermont controls spirit sales, and on-premises sales are allowed from 8 am to 2 am. Off-premises sales are permitted from 6 am to midnight. Beer below 8% ABV and wine below 16% ABV can be sold in supermarkets, while liquor is only available at state-run stores.

Virginia

Virginia controls spirit sales, and on-premises sales are allowed from 6 am to 2 am, with no restrictions for licensed clubs. Off-premises sales are permitted from 6 am to midnight. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, while liquor and wine above 14% ABV can only be sold in state liquor stores. Some counties prohibit Sunday sales.

Washington

Washington controls spirit sales, and alcohol can be purchased from 6 am to 2 am, unless local governments have further restrictions. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but liquor is only available at state-run liquor stores during specific hours.

West Virginia

West Virginia recently changed its alcohol selling hours. On-premises sales are allowed from 7 am to 3:30 am, and from noon to 3 am on Sundays. Off-premises sales are permitted from 7 am to midnight. Supermarkets can sell beer and wine, and there is a 6% ABV limit on beer and a 95% limit on spirits.

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Alcohol sales by day of the week

Alcohol sales laws in the United States vary widely at both the state and local level, and can be quite complex. While the federal alcohol restrictions apply to all states, local laws govern smaller jurisdictions. These laws can dictate the minimum drinking age, the types of alcohol that can be sold, and the hours and locations in which alcohol can be sold.

In general, alcohol selling hours are dictated by the premises or business type, the type of alcohol, and the day of the week. On-premises sales refer to drinks purchased in restaurants and bars, while off-premises sales refer to bottles or cans bought at grocery stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores. Some states and local jurisdictions also regulate hours based on the type of business, not just the type of sale.

For example, in Texas, retail stores that don't sell liquor, like convenience and grocery stores, offer beer and wine at different times depending on the day. From Monday to Friday, alcohol can be sold from 7 a.m. to midnight, on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Bars and restaurants follow a similar schedule, but on Sundays, they can only serve alcohol from 10 a.m. to noon if paired with food. Liquor stores in Texas have different hours and are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

In other states, such as California, alcohol sales are allowed 24/7, 365 days a year. However, sales are restricted to liquor stores and licensed drug stores. In contrast, some states like Mississippi prohibit alcohol sales on Sundays and Christmas Day, with sales restricted to between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

It's important to note that local laws and exceptions can further complicate alcohol sales by day of the week. For example, in Florida, the default hours for alcohol sales are from 7 a.m. to midnight every day, but counties and municipalities can set their own restrictions or extensions. Miami-Dade County, for instance, permits 24/7 sales in certain areas.

To avoid confusion and potential legal trouble, it's always best to check the specific regulations of your state or local liquor authority, as these laws can change at any time.

Alcohol laws by state

Alcohol laws in the United States are complex and vary significantly from state to state. While the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, enacted in 1984, sets 21 as the minimum drinking age across all states, individual state laws govern the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol. These laws include regulations on alcohol content, licensing, and sales restrictions, such as the days and hours when alcohol can be purchased.

Alabama

Alabama has strict alcohol laws. Beer and wine are not controlled by the state, but spirits are. Liquor sales are limited to 2 AM on Sundays, and beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, while spirits cannot. There is a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and wine faces a 14.9% ABV limit. Homebrewing is currently illegal in Alabama.

Alaska

In Alaska, there is no state control over alcohol sales. On-premise and off-premise sales are permitted from 8 AM to 5 AM. Liquor sales are not allowed in grocery stores.

Arizona

Arizona also has no state control over alcohol sales. Sales are permitted from 6 AM to 2 AM Monday to Saturday and 10 AM to 2 AM on Sunday. Drive-through liquor stores are legal in Arizona.

Arkansas

Arkansas does not have state control over alcohol distribution. On-premise sales vary depending on the class of the establishment, with Class A Private Clubs serving from 7 AM to 2 AM and restaurants serving from 7 AM to 1 AM. Off-premise sales are allowed until midnight on Saturdays and until 1 AM on weekdays. Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only in-state-produced wine is permitted, and spirits are not allowed. Arkansas has many dry counties, but private clubs are exempt from these restrictions.

California

California has lenient liquor laws, with no state control over sales. Alcohol sales are allowed from 6 AM to 2 AM, and beer, wine, and spirits can be sold in grocery stores. However, counties can implement local laws to restrict sales. The sale of alcohol above 76.5% ABV is illegal in California.

Colorado

Colorado does not have state control over alcohol sales. On-premise sales are permitted from 7 AM to 2 AM, while off-premise sales are allowed from 8 AM to midnight. Only 3.2% ABV beer can be sold in grocery stores. Absinthe is legal in Colorado.

Connecticut

Connecticut does not have state-controlled alcohol sales. On-premise sales are allowed from 9 AM to 1 AM Monday to Thursday and 9 AM to 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Off-premise sales are restricted to 8 AM to 9 PM Monday to Saturday, and there are no sales allowed on Sundays or holidays. Beer can be purchased in grocery stores in Connecticut.

The laws outlined above demonstrate the variation in alcohol laws across different states in the US, with each state having its own unique regulations. It is important to be aware of the specific laws in your state to avoid any legal issues and to consume alcohol responsibly.

Alcohol sales by type of business

The time at which beer can be bought on a Thursday varies depending on the state and the type of business. In Texas, for example, beer can be purchased from 7 am to midnight on Thursdays at retail stores that don't sell liquor, like convenience and grocery stores. Bars and restaurants in the state follow a similar schedule, but with the added restriction that they can only serve alcohol from 10 am to noon on Sundays if it is paired with food. Liquor stores in Texas are closed on Sundays altogether.

The sale of alcohol in the United States is governed by a complex system of federal, state, and local laws. While federal alcohol restrictions apply to all states, local laws govern smaller jurisdictions. These laws dictate different aspects of alcohol consumption and purchase, including the minimum drinking age and alcohol licenses and permits.

In addition to legal restrictions, alcohol sales are also influenced by market forces. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the United States, accounting for an estimated 41.8 percent of the market in 2023. Spirits and wine make up the remaining market share, with spirits generating the highest supplier gross revenue.

The alcohol industry in the United States is highly concentrated, with a small number of companies dominating the market. This concentration facilitates oligopoly profits and economies of scale in advertising, giving larger players an advantage. Marketing plays a significant role in the industry, with high spending on traditional media, digital platforms, and sponsorships.

Retail Stores

Retail stores that don't sell liquor, such as convenience and grocery stores, typically have different hours for alcohol sales compared to bars and restaurants. In Texas, these stores can sell beer and wine from 7 am to midnight on weekdays, 7 am to 1 am on Saturdays, and 10 am to midnight on Sundays.

Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants in Texas follow a similar schedule to retail stores that don't sell liquor. They can sell alcohol from 7 am to midnight on weekdays, 7 am to 1 am on Saturdays, and 10 am to midnight on Sundays. However, on Sundays, they are restricted to serving alcohol only between 10 am and noon if it is paired with food. If food is not included in the order, alcohol-only sales begin at noon.

Liquor Stores

Liquor stores have more restricted hours compared to other types of businesses. In Texas, they are open from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

It is important to note that alcohol laws can vary significantly from state to state, and even within different counties or localities. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific regulations in your area to determine the exact hours for alcohol sales by type of business.

Alcohol sales by type of drink

The time at which you can buy beer on a Thursday depends on where you are in the world, as well as the type of retailer you are buying from. In the United States, for example, each state has its own laws governing alcohol sales. In Texas, for instance, beer and wine can be purchased from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight, while in Mississippi, beer can only be bought between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

When it comes to alcohol sales by type of drink, here is an overview:

Beer

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage worldwide, with varying sales figures across different regions. In Canada, for instance, beer sales amounted to $9.1 billion in 2016/2017, contributing to 40.6% of total alcoholic beverage sales in the country. In the United States, beer was the largest share of the market for many years, but it has recently been overtaken by spirits. However, in China, the largest market for alcoholic beverages, spirits, including baijiu, are the top-selling category.

Wine

Wine sales are also significant in the global alcoholic beverage market. While China leads in overall sales, traditional wine-producing countries like Italy, France, and Spain remain the largest producers. Wine sales in Canada amounted to $7.2 billion in 2016/2017, with red wines accounting for 53.4% of total sales, followed by white wines at 32.3% and sparkling wines at 5.6%.

Spirits

Spirits, such as whisky, vodka, and rum, have gained popularity in various markets. In Canada, spirit sales reached $5.3 billion in 2016/2017, with whisky being the most popular spirit, followed by vodka and rum. In the United States, spirits have overtaken beer as the largest share of the market. Globally, the spirits segment accounts for the largest share of sales, largely due to the massive Chinese market.

Ciders, Coolers, and Other Refreshment Beverages (CCORB)

While having a smaller market share, ciders, coolers, and other refreshment beverages (CCORB) have shown sustained and dynamic growth. In Canada, sales of these beverages reached $0.9 billion in 2016/2017, with Yukon having the highest market share at 7.2% of total alcoholic beverage sales.

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