If you're looking to buy beer in Massachusetts, you're in luck! The state has some of the least restrictive laws when it comes to purchasing alcohol. Beer can be purchased at a variety of locations, including bars, restaurants, package and liquor stores, and even some grocery and convenience stores. For those who prefer to drink at home, there are several options for buying beer to-go. These include off-premise retailers such as liquor stores, which are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. On-premise retailers like bars and restaurants also sell beer, but with slightly different hours: 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sundays. So, whether you're looking to enjoy a cold one at your favorite local spot or stock up for a home-gathering, Massachusetts has you covered!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Beer availability | Beer can be purchased in-store or online |
Beer retailers | Beer is available in some grocery stores, gas stations, liquor stores, and specialist beer shops |
Beer brands | Samuel Adams, TRULY, Twisted Tea, Harpoon |
Alcohol licensing laws | A single business entity can hold a maximum of 3 liquor licenses |
Alcohol regulation | The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) oversees all aspects of alcohol production, distribution, and consumption |
What You'll Learn
Supermarkets and convenience stores
In Massachusetts, everything related to alcohol is controlled by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The state has some interesting laws regarding the sale of beer, wine, and liquor in supermarkets and convenience stores. While you can purchase beer and wine at grocery stores in MA, hard liquor is not available in these establishments.
The laws regarding alcohol sales in supermarkets and convenience stores in Massachusetts can be quite complex and vary by town. A single business entity was previously limited to holding only three liquor licenses, but this restriction has since been changed. As of 2011, the number of licenses allowed was increased to five, with an additional $5,000 state fee per license over three. This limit continued to increase over the years, reaching seven in 2016 and nine in 2020. However, the process of obtaining these licenses can be challenging due to the permitting requirements and the cost and time involved. As a result, many grocery stores in MA choose to leave liquor sales to specialised stores.
Some supermarket chains in Massachusetts, such as Roche Bros, Stop & Shop, Wegman's, and Price Chopper, have been known to sell beer and wine in select locations. For instance, Stop & Shop sells alcohol at its stores in Malden, Quincy, and Hingham. Similarly, Wegman's has an impressive liquor section, including a range of craft beers. Price Chopper, on the other hand, offers beer and wine in its Worcester and Shrewsbury locations.
Convenience stores in Massachusetts also sell beer and wine, and in some cases, liquor. Additionally, there are reports of gas stations selling beer and wine, although this may depend on the specific location and the company's license to sell alcohol.
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Bars and restaurants
Massachusetts is heavily populated with independent alcohol retailers, including bars and restaurants. The state is home to approximately 3,000 off-premise spirits licenses, with 1,800 of them belonging to standalone beverage alcohol stores, according to MarketWatch.
The state's drinking traditions are closely tied to its strong sports culture, particularly around teams like the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Boston Celtics. Tailgating and sports bars are an integral part of the drinking culture in Massachusetts.
While the specific laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales vary from town to town, here are some general insights into buying beer in bars and restaurants in Massachusetts:
Buying Beer in Bars and Restaurants in Massachusetts:
- In Massachusetts, everything related to alcohol is controlled by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). They oversee all aspects of alcohol, including production, selling, and consumption.
- Bars and restaurants in Massachusetts typically have what is known as a "pour" license, which authorizes them to sell and serve alcoholic beverages to their customers.
- The hours for alcohol sales in Massachusetts are from 8 AM to 11 PM. On-premise locations, such as bars and restaurants, are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays.
- The specific beer selections available in bars and restaurants will vary depending on the establishment. However, popular domestic beer brands in Massachusetts include Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, and Truly Hard Seltzer.
- When it comes to craft breweries, Massachusetts offers a wide array of options. Some well-known craft breweries in the state include Trillium, Shovel Town, and Harpoon.
Remember to always drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.
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Breweries and taprooms
Massachusetts is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and taprooms to explore. Here are some places you can visit to get your beer fix:
Breweries
Massachusetts is known for its innovative and diverse beverage alcohol landscape, boasting over 130 breweries with active licenses as of 2023. Some notable breweries include:
- Trillium in Canton: Known for their New England IPAs, this brewery is worth the trek for beer enthusiasts.
- Shovel Town in Foxboro: A local favourite, conveniently located near Mansfield.
- Berkshire Brewing Company: One of the many independent alcohol retailers in the state.
Taprooms
If you're looking for a place to sit down and enjoy a pint, taprooms and beer gardens offer a great atmosphere. Here are some options:
- Fenway Beer Shop in Boston: Located on Van Ness Street, this shop offers a variety of beers and a $30 keg deposit for all keg purchases.
- Wegman's: This grocery store chain offers an impressive liquor section, including a wide range of craft beers.
- Julio's: If Wegman's doesn't have what you're looking for, Julio's is a great alternative, located right around the corner from some of their stores.
- Roche Bros: This supermarket chain offers beer and wine at select locations.
- Stop & Shop: While most locations don't sell alcohol, the stores in Malden, Quincy, and Hingham offer a range of beer, wine, and liquor.
Beer Laws in Massachusetts
It's worth noting that Massachusetts has unique laws regarding the sale of alcohol. The state heavily regulates the number of licenses a single business entity can hold, which is why many supermarkets and grocery stores don't sell alcohol. This regulation has led to a high number of independent package stores and taprooms, each with their unique atmosphere and selection. So, while you may not find beer at every gas station or grocery store, you're never too far from a dedicated retailer in Massachusetts!
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Online
Purchasing beer online in Massachusetts is a convenient option for those who want their favourite beverage delivered to their doorstep. Here is a detailed guide to buying beer online in the Bay State:
Several websites offer a wide range of craft beers, IPAs, stouts, and more for online ordering. Some popular options include:
- Tavour: This Seattle-based company sends an email with new beers to add to your open order. After selecting your beers, Tavour will ship them to you, with a flat shipping rate of $14.90. As of November 2018, Tavour shipped to 19 states.
- The Beer Connect: This platform acts as a middleman between breweries and customers. If your state allows direct craft beer shipments from breweries, you can choose from a vast selection. Standard shipping rates are around $25 to $35.
- CraftShack: With a wide selection and distribution area, CraftShack offers convenient filters to browse for new beers by style. However, it requires a $35 minimum order and at least $20 for shipping.
- Best Damn Beer Shop (BDBS): Based in San Diego, BDBS offers in-store pickup or same-day delivery for locals. They ship to 29 states/districts with a $40 minimum order and a minimum of six bottles per order.
- Craft City: With over 2,000 beers available, Craft City allows browsing by brewery and style, and it offers various shipping methods besides ground shipping. However, it doesn't ship to AR, DE, KY, MS, SD, TX, or UT.
- Total Wine & More: While not shipping beer, Total Wine & More offers a vast selection and the convenience of ordering online and picking up in-store. They have locations in 22 states, including Massachusetts.
Alcohol Shipping Regulations:
When buying beer online, it's essential to understand the shipping regulations. Direct shipment laws vary by state, and some states, like Alabama, Arkansas, and Utah, don't allow direct beer shipments to residents. Additionally, shipping beer is costly due to weight and fragility, with ground shipping rates ranging from $20 to $35. All beer deliveries require the signature of an adult aged 21 or older.
Massachusetts Alcohol Laws:
Massachusetts has specific laws regarding alcohol sales and consumption. Off-premise retailers, such as package and liquor stores, can sell beer from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays. On-premise retailers, like bars and restaurants, can sell beer for immediate consumption from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sundays. Massachusetts also allows minors to drink in the presence of their parents, guardians, or grandparents in private residences.
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Gas stations
The laws and regulations surrounding alcohol sales in Massachusetts can be complex, and they vary from town to town. In general, Massachusetts has strict rules regarding the sale of alcohol, and the number of licenses that can be held by a single business entity is restricted. This is why you may find that some gas stations or grocery stores sell beer, while others do not.
The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) oversees all aspects of alcohol in Massachusetts, including production, distribution, and consumption. The ABCC is responsible for licensing, tax collection, and enforcing the state's laws and regulations. Obtaining a license to sell alcohol in Massachusetts can be a challenging process, and the specific requirements can vary depending on the type of business and location.
It is always a good idea to check with the specific gas station or store beforehand to ensure they sell beer. Additionally, it is essential to keep in mind that drinking laws and regulations can change over time, so staying informed about the latest rules is essential.
Overall, while you can buy beer at some gas stations in Massachusetts, the availability may vary due to licensing restrictions and other regulations. It is recommended to check with individual gas stations or refer to local guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy beer in Massachusetts from bars and restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries and taprooms, and grocery and convenience stores.
Yes, you can only buy beer from off-premise retailers between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from liquor stores between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Sundays. On-premise retailers like bars and restaurants can sell beer between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m. on Sundays.
Yes, there are 8 dry towns in Massachusetts that place strong limitations on when you can buy alcohol, or the types of alcohol that are available.
Yes, you can get beer delivered in Massachusetts through websites such as Drizly and Drizzly.