Best Beer Buying Options In California

California has quite lenient laws when it comes to buying beer. Beer, wine, and spirits are all allowed to be sold in grocery stores, and alcohol can be served 24 hours a day unless restricted by local ordinances. Beer can be purchased from 6 am to 2 am, and it is now legal to order alcohol online for same-day delivery.

Beer delivery services in California

California has quite lenient laws when it comes to liquor promotion, and beer can be sold in grocery stores. If you're looking for beer delivery services in California, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Drizly

Drizly offers on-demand alcohol delivery in California, including beer, wine, and spirits. They have over 1,000 liquor store partners in the state, providing a wide selection of products. You can find popular brands such as Tito's Handmade Vodka, Veuve Clicquot, and Johnnie Walker on their platform. Drizly ensures that your order will be delivered to your door in a timely manner, usually within 30-60 minutes. They also offer contactless delivery options for a safe and convenient experience.

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery is another popular choice for alcohol delivery in California. They partner with local stores to offer a variety of options, including wine, liquor, beer, and mixers. You can browse through thousands of products on their website or app, and your order will be delivered within 30-60 minutes. Minibar Delivery currently serves many cities in California, including Anaheim. They charge a small delivery fee of $5 to help offset the costs involved in the delivery process.

Craftshack

Craftshack is an online store that offers a wide range of craft beers, rare arrivals, and gluten-free options. They have a variety of beers from different breweries, including Belching Beaver Brewery, El Segundo, and Cellarmaker. Craftshack also offers gift boxes and baskets, such as the Hazy IPA Gift Box Set and the West Coast Brewery Craft Beer Gift Box Set. You can explore their website to find the perfect beer for your taste and occasion.

Total Wine and More

Total Wine and More is an online retailer that offers a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. They have a range of popular and top-rated craft beers, including Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, and Blue Moon. You can browse their website to explore the different styles of beer they offer, such as IPA, American Pale Ale, and Hazy/New England-Style IPA. Total Wine and More makes it easy to buy beer online and have it delivered directly to your doorstep.

These are just a few examples of beer delivery services available in California. Each platform offers a unique selection of beers, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and location. Remember to drink responsibly and follow the legal guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Buying beer in California grocery stores

California's alcohol laws are relatively relaxed, and beer can be purchased every day from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. in any licensed location, including grocery stores. This includes Sundays and public holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

Grocery stores in California sell beer, and you can also purchase beer from bars, restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries, taprooms, gas stations, and online retailers.

While California's alcohol sale hours are consistent across the state, individual cities and counties have the authority to implement additional restrictions. These local regulations can vary, so it is always a good idea to check the specific rules in your area.

California's alcohol laws are designed to provide convenience for consumers while also promoting responsible drinking. The state enforces a strict minimum drinking age of 21, and drinking and driving is illegal.

Liquor laws in California

California has quite lenient laws about liquor promotion, but counties can restrict sales with local laws. The sale of alcohol 76.5% ABV or higher is illegal.

Buying Alcohol in California

California law allows those under 21 to consume alcohol in a private location, but only if a parent, guardian, or relative is present and above the age of 21. It is illegal for a minor to have a BAC of .01% and operate a vehicle.

Hours for Alcohol Sales in California

Selling or purchasing alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. is prohibited in California. Bars must cease alcohol sales at 2 a.m., and patrons must vacate the premises by 3 a.m. unless city ordinances state otherwise.

Off-Premise Sale Hours in California

Grocery/Liquer Store (Off-Premise) sale hours are Sunday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

On-Premise Alcohol Sales Restrictions in California

Servers and establishments must also exercise caution and responsibility when serving alcohol. Selling, furnishing, or giving alcoholic beverages to obviously intoxicated individuals is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and/or six months in county jail. Preventing overconsumption and monitoring patrons’ intoxication levels are crucial aspects of responsible beverage service.

Alcohol-Related Offenses and Consequences in California

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a combination of both, is strictly prohibited in California. DUI offenses are considered misdemeanors and can lead to severe consequences, including jail time, fines, license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in the offender’s vehicle.

Additional Alcohol-Related Laws in California

In California, it is illegal to consume alcohol while inside a vehicle. Open containers must be stored in the trunk and out of sight, except when passengers are in a bus, taxi, camper, or motorhome. For individuals under 21, it is strictly prohibited to have any alcohol present in the vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or someone over 21 years of age.

Buying beer online in California

There are many options for buying beer online in California, from local delivery services to monthly subscription boxes.

Local delivery services

If you're after a quick, local delivery, there are several options. Drizly will pick up your order and deliver it within the hour for a $5 surcharge. Saucey is another option, which also promises quick, zero-fee delivery. However, you may find that the beer selection is more limited on Saucey. Minibar is a third option, which offers a range of beer, ice, liquor, and mixers, with the delivery fee built into the price.

Online retailers

Online retailers are a good choice if you're looking for a wider selection of beer, including craft beers and microbrews. FreshDirect offers a range of domestic and craft beers, with a $5.99 delivery fee. Craft City has an impressive inventory of over 100 different brews, mostly from smaller breweries, but you'll need to pay FedEx ground shipping fees and an "Adult Signature Delivery Fee" of $3. Craft Shack is another popular online retailer that carries the latest launches from craft breweries, with shipping costs ranging from $19.99 to $29.99.

Subscription-based clubs

Subscription-based beer clubs are a great way to discover new breweries and expand your palate. Beer of the Month Club offers four different beers from two different lightly distributed US microbreweries each month for $29.95, plus shipping and handling. Tavour is an app-based subscription service that releases two new beers per day, which you can claim and add to a custom box. Craft Beer Kings allows you to choose your favorite style of beer, or a mixed-style case, and sends you a case of 12 pint-sized cans for $99 per month.

Buying beer in California convenience stores

California's alcohol laws are relatively relaxed, allowing beer to be sold every day from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. in any licensed location, including convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. This means that you can purchase beer on any day of the week, including Sundays and public holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

California is not a dry state, and there are no dry counties within the state. Alcohol is readily available in most parts of California and can be found in many retail locations. The legal drinking age in California, as in the rest of the United States, is 21, and drinking and driving is illegal.

In California, bars and restaurants are permitted to sell beer in cans, bottles, or on draft. They can also sell beer in its original packaging for takeaway or off-premise consumption. Gas stations typically sell beer in cans and bottles during the permitted hours. Grocery stores also offer beer for sale during the same hours as other retailers, and they are allowed to sell beer on holidays.

While California has no dry counties, its laws do allow localities to enact stricter alcohol sales regulations. For example, localities can vote to change the hours during which alcohol can be sold. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local laws and regulations for the specific area in California where you plan to purchase or consume alcohol.

Frequently asked questions