Mississippi's Solo Beer Runs: Where To Buy Singles

Mississippi has some of the most convoluted alcohol laws in the United States. While it is not a dry state, many of its counties are. In Mississippi, beer and light wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores, while wine and distilled spirits can only be purchased at liquor stores. These are open from 10 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday, and are closed on Sundays and Christmas Day.

So, where can you buy single beers in Mississippi? Bars and restaurants can sell beer, wine, and liquor between 7 am and 2 am, depending on the county. Alcohol sales must be for on-premise consumption, with the exception of deliveries. Mississippi gas stations can sell beer and light wine 24/7, depending on the county. All beer and wine must be in their original packaging, and sales must be for off-premise consumption. Grocery stores in Mississippi can also sell beer and light wine 24/7, depending on the county.

Beer and light wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores 24/7

In Mississippi, beer and light wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores 24/7. This is because Mississippi law does not consider beer to be an "alcoholic beverage", and it is therefore regulated differently from distilled spirits and wine. Beer in Mississippi is defined as a malt-based beverage that contains no more than 8% alcohol by weight.

However, it is important to note that these hours may be restricted by local ordinance, and sales on Sundays may also be restricted. Additionally, beer and light wine cannot be sold in package stores, and alcoholic beverages cannot be sold in convenience or grocery stores.

Mississippi has some of the most convoluted alcohol laws in the country, and it is important to be aware of these regulations when purchasing or consuming alcohol in the state. For example, Mississippi has a government alcohol monopoly on the sale of distilled spirits with an ABV of over 14%, and the state is also a control state, meaning that it is the only wholesaler of wine and liquor.

The minimum drinking age in Mississippi is 21, however, there is an exception for minors between the ages of 18 and 20 who are allowed to drink beer with the permission of their parent or legal guardian.

Wine and spirits can only be purchased at liquor stores

If you're looking to buy single beers in Mississippi, you can do so at a variety of retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, bars, and restaurants. However, it's important to note that Mississippi has some of the most complex alcohol laws in the country.

When it comes to wine and spirits, the regulations are more stringent. Wine and spirits can only be purchased at liquor stores, and these stores are subject to specific operating hours. They are typically open from 10 am to 10 pm, Monday through Saturday, and remain closed on Sundays and Christmas Day. Additionally, liquor stores are prohibited from operating in dry counties, of which there are several in Mississippi.

The distinction between beer and alcoholic beverages in Mississippi is important to understand. Beer is considered a malt-based beverage with an alcohol content of no more than 8% by weight. Products with wine or spirits bases and alcohol content below certain thresholds are also regulated like beer. These are known as light wine products or light spirits and are commonly found in the market as wine coolers.

Mississippi's unique definition of alcoholic beverages further complicates the matter. According to the state, an alcoholic beverage is either a distilled spirit with more than 6% alcohol by weight or a wine product with over 5% alcohol by weight. These beverages are strictly regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and are typically purchased at package stores.

It's worth noting that Mississippi is a control state, which means the state itself is the sole wholesaler of wine and liquor. This creates a government monopoly on the sale of these beverages, and liquor stores are limited to selling only full-strength wine and spirits.

The state's complex alcohol regulations also extend to drinking laws. While Mississippi does not have an open container law, it is still illegal to drive while intoxicated. The legal limit for drivers under 21 is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02%, while for those 21 and older, it is 0.08% BAC.

On-premise alcohol sales are allowed from 7am to midnight

On-premise alcohol sales in Mississippi are allowed from 7am to midnight, seven days a week. This applies to bars and restaurants, which can sell beer, wine, and liquor during these hours. However, it's important to note that the legal hours of alcohol sales may vary across different counties in Mississippi, as local governments can further restrict these hours.

On-premise alcohol sales refer to the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption within the premises of licensed establishments, such as bars and restaurants. This means that customers can purchase and consume alcohol at these locations during the specified hours.

It's worth noting that Mississippi has complex alcohol regulations, and there are dry counties within the state where alcohol sales are prohibited. Additionally, the state has a government monopoly on the sale of distilled spirits and wine with an ABV of over 14%.

The minimum drinking age in Mississippi is 21, and only those over 21 can purchase alcohol. However, minors between 18 and 20 can drink beer with the permission of their parent or legal guardian.

Off-premise alcohol sales are allowed from 10am to 10pm

In Mississippi, off-premise alcohol sales are allowed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This means that package stores, or retailers that sell alcohol for off-premises consumption, are permitted to operate during these hours.

It is important to note that package stores are prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays and Christmas Day. Additionally, the hours for off-premises alcohol sales may be further restricted by local ordinances in certain counties or municipalities.

For on-premises alcohol consumption, such as at restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels, sales are typically allowed from 7 a.m. to midnight. However, local authorities in many counties may set their own hours for alcohol sales.

Mississippi has a government alcohol monopoly for selling distilled spirits and alcoholic beverages with an ABV of over 14%. Beer, on the other hand, is regulated differently and is allowed to be sold for off-premises consumption 24/7, although Sunday sales may be restricted by local ordinances.

The state also has several dry counties, where it is illegal to bring in or transport alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol sales at liquor stores are not allowed on Sundays

In Mississippi, alcohol sales are governed by The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). ABC controls the manufacturing, supplying, buying, and selling of alcohol in the state.

Currently, alcohol sales at liquor stores are not allowed on Sundays. This restriction applies to wine and distilled spirits with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of over 5%. Beer and light wine, on the other hand, can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores that are open 24/7.

The restriction on Sunday liquor sales is not unique to Mississippi, as some neighbouring states have similar laws. However, this can be inconvenient for those who wish to purchase wine or distilled spirits on Sundays.

There have been recent developments towards changing this law. In March 2024, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 329, which would allow package stores to operate on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The bill is now under consideration by the Senate. This change could provide more convenience for consumers and potentially increase tax revenue for the state. However, there is also opposition to the bill, particularly from religious groups and liquor stores that value having Sundays off.

Until any changes are officially implemented, those in Mississippi who wish to purchase wine or distilled spirits on Sundays may need to plan ahead or look for alternative options, such as drinking wine with dinner at a restaurant.

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