Arabella Franco
If you're looking to buy beer in Georgia, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, Georgia is not a dry state, but it does have dry counties, so the availability of beer will depend on the county you're in. Secondly, the hours during which beer can be sold are regulated, and these hours vary depending on the day of the week and the type of retailer. Generally, licensed retailers are permitted to sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. However, this may differ slightly depending on the county and the type of retailer, with some gas stations and bars selling beer 24/7.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy beer | Bars and restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries and taprooms, gas stations, grocery stores |
| Days and times beer can be sold | Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Sunday: 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. |
| Days and times beer cannot be sold | Before 8:00 a.m. and after 11:45 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Before 12:30 p.m. and after 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. |
| On-premise consumption regulations | Determined by each county and vary |
| Off-premise consumption | Allowed |
| Drinking age | 21 |
| Open container laws | Alcohol must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle where neither the driver nor passengers can access it |
What You'll Learn
Gas stations
While some counties may prohibit Sunday alcohol sales altogether, most of Georgia allows it. However, the brunch bill, which allows bars and restaurants to serve alcohol as early as 11 a.m. on Sundays, does not apply to gas stations.
It is worth noting that the sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain days, such as Christmas Day, and that these days may vary by county. Additionally, the last call for bars varies from county to county, with an average closing time of 2 a.m.
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Grocery stores
The sale of alcohol in Georgia is regulated by the state, which does not heavily restrict the sale, production, or consumption of liquor. However, there are certain times when alcohol may not be sold, and there are dry counties that place restrictions on the type of alcohol that can be sold and the times and places it can be bought.
The minimum drinking age in Georgia is 21, and it is illegal to sell alcohol to an underage person. There are a few exceptions to the minimum drinking age, including drinking with the permission of a parent or guardian in their presence, with a prescription from an authorized physician, or during a religious ceremony.
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Bars and restaurants
During the COVID-19 pandemic, bars, restaurants, brewpubs, and other on-premises alcohol retail licensees were prohibited from selling distilled spirits for carry-out purposes or through a drive-in window. They were, however, permitted to sell unopened packages of wine and beer for carry-out or through a drive-in window.
Some counties in Georgia are dry, meaning they place restrictions on the type of alcohol that can be sold and the times and places it can be bought. For example, in some counties, liquor stores may be prohibited from selling distilled spirits or from selling alcohol on Sundays.
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Breweries and taprooms
Hours of Operation:
In Georgia, breweries and taprooms are typically allowed to sell alcohol between 8:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, their operating hours are more limited, with alcohol sales permitted from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. However, it's important to note that these hours may vary slightly depending on the specific county and local regulations.
On-Premise vs Off-Premise Consumption:
Most breweries and taprooms in Georgia focus on on-premise consumption, meaning you can enjoy your beer on-site. However, some breweries may also offer limited options for off-premise consumption, allowing you to purchase beer to take home. Always remember to check the local regulations and the specific rules of the brewery or taproom you plan to visit.
Location and Availability:
COVID-19 Considerations:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, breweries and taprooms in Georgia adapted to ensure the safety of their customers. Many offered carry-out options, drive-in window services, and even online sales for curbside pickup or delivery. These options provided beer enthusiasts with alternative ways to enjoy their favourite beverages while maintaining social distancing and safety protocols.
Legal Age Restrictions:
It is important to remember that the legal drinking age in Georgia is 21 years old. Breweries and taprooms are required by law to ensure that all customers consuming alcohol on their premises are of legal age. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages.
In summary, breweries and taprooms in Georgia offer a unique and enjoyable experience for beer lovers. By understanding the operating hours, consumption rules, and legal restrictions, you can make the most of your visits to these establishments. Remember to drink responsibly and follow the guidelines set by the state and local counties to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.
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Package and liquor stores
In Georgia, liquor stores sell distilled spirits, while grocery and convenience stores sell beer and wine. Liquor stores in Georgia may sell alcohol from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. They may not sell alcohol on Sundays until 12:30 p.m. and must close at 11:30 p.m.
In some counties, liquor stores may be prohibited from selling distilled spirits on Sundays. Another common restriction is that liquor stores cannot sell alcohol on Sundays in some counties. For example, in Muscogee County, you can buy beer any time except from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays, but the package stores close around 11:30 p.m. on Sundays.
The city of Atlanta allows packaged wine or malt beverages to be sold 24 hours a day, from Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight.
The state of Georgia does not prohibit alcohol sales on any days besides Sunday. However, it allows counties to prohibit sales on certain days, such as Christmas Day.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer can be purchased in Georgia at bars and restaurants, package and liquor stores, and breweries and taprooms. Grocery and convenience stores also sell beer, but they are restricted by certain timings.
Licensed retailers are only permitted to sell alcohol at certain times. In Georgia, you can buy beer for off-premises consumption between 8:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, beer may be sold from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Yes, Georgia has several dry counties that place restrictions on the type of alcohol that can be sold and the times and places you can buy beer, wine, and spirits. Out of Georgia's 159 counties, 12 are dry.
