Oklahoma Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy

Oklahoma has some of the strictest liquor laws in the United States. The state's constitution included total prohibition of alcoholic beverages when it was founded in 1907. While voters repealed total prohibition in 1959, liquor-by-the-drink bars were not allowed until 1985. So, where can you buy beer in Oklahoma?

Beer in grocery stores and gas stations

In Oklahoma, grocery stores and gas stations are only allowed to sell beer with an ABV of up to 15% and 3.2% ABW. This law was changed in October 2023, and now grocery stores and gas stations can sell cold high-point beer. Before this change, high-point beer was only available in liquor stores, and it was sold warm.

The sale of alcohol in grocery stores and gas stations is restricted to pre-packaged beer and wine, and they are not restricted from selling alcohol during the holidays. There are no restrictions on Sunday sales either.

The minimum age to purchase alcohol in Oklahoma is 21, and minors are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol in public. However, consumption in a "private setting" is not prohibited by Oklahoma law.

Oklahoma has some of the strictest liquor laws in the country, and the state's constitution included total prohibition of alcoholic beverages when it was established in 1907. In 1959, voters repealed total prohibition, and in 1985, liquor-by-the-drink bars were allowed.

The sale and distribution of alcohol are tightly regulated in Oklahoma, with liquor stores only allowed to sell spirits or wine, and not cold beer. The hours of operation for liquor stores are also restricted, with most required to close by 9 pm and remain closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Liquor stores

In Oklahoma, liquor stores are the only place to buy typical beer, wines, and spirits, as beverages containing more than 3.2% abw (which is around 4% ABV) may only be sold in licensed liquor stores.

Until recently, liquor stores in Oklahoma had to sell their products at room temperature, but now they are permitted to sell cold beverages. Liquor stores in Oklahoma also cannot open before 10 a.m. and have to be closed by 9 p.m.

Age restrictions

In Oklahoma, the legal drinking age is 21. Minors under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess or purchase alcohol. However, consumption in a "private setting" is not prohibited by Oklahoma law. That said, minors may not have a blood alcohol level of more than .02%.

It is a felony to provide alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age. It is also a misdemeanor for persons under 21 to give the impression that they are older for the purpose of obtaining alcoholic beverages. The punishment for this crime is a fine of up to $300 and up to 30 days of community service. The driving license of the convicted individual will be revoked for 6 months for the first offense, 1 year for the second offense, and 2 years for all subsequent offenses. Alternatively, for any offense, they can have their license revoked until they reach 21 years of age at the discretion of the judge.

Landowners cannot lawfully permit a person under 21 years of age to consume alcohol on their property. Punishment for this crime is a fine between $2,500 and $5,000 and up to 5 years of imprisonment.

If a minor is pulled over and charged by an officer for violating any alcohol law, a copy of the violation will be mailed to the legal guardian(s) of the child within three days.

Alcohol sales on Sundays

In recent years, there have been efforts to modernize liquor laws in Oklahoma, including a ballot measure in 2020 that allowed liquor stores in several counties, including Oklahoma County, to open on Sundays. This change addressed the concerns of liquor store owners who felt it was unfair that grocery and convenience stores could sell alcohol on Sundays while they had to remain closed. However, some larger liquor stores may choose to remain closed on Sundays due to increased payroll and shifting delivery schedules.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Oklahoma continue to evolve, with the state passing the most comprehensive reform of its alcoholic beverage laws in 2016. This reform allowed grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies to sell strong beer and wine, and permitted liquor stores to sell cold beverages and non-alcoholic items. Additionally, Oklahoma law allows any establishment with a beer and wine license, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies, to sell beer and wine up to 15% ABV, under refrigeration.

It is worth noting that alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and there are restrictions on the hours of sale for off-premise beer and wine, which may differ in some rural counties. Liquor stores are generally permitted to operate from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and from noon to midnight on Sundays in counties where it is allowed.

Alcohol sales on holidays

Oklahoma's laws on alcohol sales in bars, clubs, pubs, and dives vary across counties. Some counties restrict the time a bar can be open on Sundays, while others specify holidays when alcohol cannot be served. For example, in Oklahoma County, there are no restrictions on alcohol sales in these establishments on Sundays or holidays.

In terms of Sunday liquor sales, only a handful of Oklahoma's 77 counties have authorized them. If a county permits Sunday liquor sales, stores can open but must wait until noon to serve customers.

It's worth noting that minors under 21 are not allowed to possess or purchase alcohol in Oklahoma, although consumption in a "private setting" is not prohibited.

Frequently asked questions