Last-Minute Beer Run: Christmas Day Shopping Options

If you're planning to buy beer on Christmas Day, you may be out of luck depending on where you live. In the US, liquor laws vary by state, county, and municipality, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. In some places, state-controlled liquor stores are closed on Christmas Day, but you may be able to purchase beer and wine from grocery or convenience stores. For example, in Texas, liquor sales are banned on Christmas Day, but you can still buy beer and wine from convenience and grocery stores, typically from 10 a.m. to midnight. Similarly, in Ontario, Canada, some convenience stores and grocery stores may be open on Christmas Day, offering alcoholic beverages. However, it's always a good idea to call ahead and check with your local stores to avoid disappointment.

Where can I buy beer on Christmas Day?

Buying beer on Christmas Day in Texas

If you're in Texas and hoping to buy beer on Christmas Day, you're in luck—but only partially. While you can buy beer on Christmas Day in Texas, your options for where to purchase it are limited.

Texas state law prohibits the sale of liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. This means that liquor stores are required to remain closed on Christmas Day. However, grocery and convenience stores are allowed to sell beer and wine on this day.

According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, sales are permitted from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday mornings. On Sundays, including Christmas Day, sales are allowed from 10 a.m. until midnight.

It's important to note that some grocery stores may be closed on Christmas Day, so you'll need to check which stores are open. Most convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, will typically remain open.

So, if you're planning to stock up on beer for Christmas Day in Texas, be sure to purchase it in advance from a liquor store or plan to buy it from a grocery or convenience store on the day, keeping in mind their permitted sales hours.

Buying beer on Christmas Day in Arkansas

If you're in Arkansas and planning to buy beer on Christmas Day, you're out of luck. Arkansas state law prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquors on Christmas Day. This means that you won't be able to purchase beer from liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, or bars. Casinos are the only exception to this rule as they are licensed through the state's Constitution and not through the Alcoholic Beverage Control.

So, if you're hoping to enjoy a beer on Christmas Day in Arkansas, be sure to plan ahead and stock up in advance. The state's quirky Christmas alcohol laws can put a damper on celebrations if you're not prepared.

It's worth noting that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, and while federal law prohibits the sale of alcohol to those under 21, individual states and local jurisdictions have varying regulations on the hours and days of beer sales. These laws can vary widely, with some states allowing 24-hour sales, while others restrict sales to specific hours or days.

For example, in California, beer sales are permitted from 6 am to 2 am every day of the year, while in Mississippi, beer can only be purchased between 10 am and 10 pm from Monday to Saturday, and alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays and Christmas Day.

So, if you're looking to buy beer on Christmas Day in Arkansas, you'll need to make other arrangements or travel to a nearby state with different regulations.

Buying beer on Christmas Day in Ontario

If you're in Ontario and find yourself in need of beer on Christmas Day, you may be able to find some at big-box grocery stores and convenience stores. While The Beer Store and LCBO will be closed on Christmas Day, many convenience stores are permitted to sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages on holidays. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, retailers, including grocery and convenience stores, are only permitted to sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., and deliveries are only allowed between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. These hours also apply on holidays. Additionally, stores that operate outside of these hours, such as 24-hour locations, are not allowed to sell alcohol outside of the specified timeframe. Secondly, it is up to the store owner to decide whether to open on a holiday, so it's a good idea to check with your local store about their holiday hours. Lastly, corner stores are legally required to purchase alcoholic beverages from the LCBO, so you may find that their prices are slightly higher.

Buying beer in state-controlled vs privately-owned stores

In the United States, the sale of alcohol is regulated by individual state laws. There are 17 states that control the sale of liquor in one way or another, these are known as Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) states. These states can be grouped into two categories: those that directly own all the liquor stores in the state, and those that control distribution to private retailers.

State-Controlled Stores

States that own liquor stores directly include Alabama, Idaho, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia. In these states, you must go to a state-run shop to purchase alcohol. One advantage of state-run stores is that they generate income for the state, which can be put towards education, infrastructure, and other initiatives. State-controlled stores also provide standardized training for liquor store workers to prevent sales to people under the age of 21. Additionally, these states can restrict the number of liquor stores and prevent them from proliferating into every community.

Privately-Owned Stores

On the other hand, states like Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, and West Virginia control the distribution of alcohol to private retailers. While these states don't own the liquor stores directly, they still have a monopoly on the wholesale trade and set the minimum costs for alcohol, which dictates prices on the consumer level.

One benefit of privately-owned liquor stores is that they often offer a wider selection of brands, including craft distillers who may not be able to navigate the complex rules of ABC states. Privatization can also lead to lower consumer prices driven by competition. However, privatization can result in an increased number of liquor stores, which may be seen as a negative outcome by some residents.

Buying Beer on Christmas Day

It's important to note that state laws can vary when it comes to alcohol sales on specific days, such as Christmas. For example, in Arkansas, it is illegal to sell intoxicating liquors on Christmas Day, and casinos are the only exception to this rule. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific laws and regulations in your state when planning to purchase alcohol on holidays.

Buying beer in grocery stores vs liquor stores

In the US, buying beer from grocery stores versus liquor stores is a complex issue with varying rules and regulations across different states. While liquor stores typically offer a wider range of alcoholic beverages, including spirits and wine, grocery stores may have more limited options, depending on local laws.

On Christmas Day, the options for purchasing beer differ between states. In Texas, for example, liquor stores are closed on Christmas Day and the day after, while grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine from 10 am to midnight. This means that Texans who wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages during their Christmas celebrations need to stock up in advance if they plan to buy from a liquor store.

The availability of beer in grocery stores versus liquor stores is part of a broader debate around public health, safety, underage drinking, and crime. Some states have more restrictive policies, with Kansas being one of the first states to enact a ban on alcoholic products in 1881, only ending state prohibition in 1948. Even today, Kansas has strict rules, allowing grocery stores to sell beer with only 3.2% alcohol or less.

On the other hand, states like Colorado and Oklahoma have expanded the alcohol sales allowance in grocery stores. In June 2016, Colorado passed a bill enabling grocers to sell full-strength beer, wine, and spirits. Similarly, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 792 in November 2016, permitting grocery and convenience stores to sell alcoholic beverages above 3.2% alcohol by volume, effective October 1, 2018.

Ultimately, the regulations around selling beer in grocery stores versus liquor stores aim to balance economics, accessibility, and public health concerns. Each state and community must decide on the appropriate measures to ensure responsible alcohol consumption while meeting consumer needs and supporting local businesses.

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