Sunday Morning Beer Runs In Atlanta

As of 2023, there are still some states in the US that do not allow the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays due to religious reasons. One of these states is Georgia, where the law previously stated that alcoholic beverages could only be purchased between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. However, in November 2022, Atlanta residents voted in favour of allowing grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores to sell alcohol starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays. This new law is expected to take effect in 2023.

Alcohol sales in Atlanta on Sundays

Alcohol sales laws in Atlanta, Georgia, have been subject to change in recent years. In 2022, Atlanta residents voted in favour of allowing grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores to begin selling alcohol from 11 am on Sundays, rather than 12:30 pm. This measure, which passed with 82% of the vote, also extended Sunday buying until midnight instead of 11:30 pm.

The new law, which took effect in 2023, means that alcohol can be purchased in Atlanta from 11 am to midnight on Sundays. This change brings the city's laws in line with other parts of Georgia, which voted to end the ban on Sunday alcohol sales in 2011. However, it is important to note that individual jurisdictions within Georgia can set more restrictive rules, so alcohol sales times may vary by county.

Previously, a 'Brunch Bill' was passed in 2018, allowing restaurants and bars in Atlanta to begin serving alcohol at 11 am on Sundays. This bill was passed with overwhelming support, with over 45 metro Atlanta cities and counties voting in favour. The new law was particularly significant as Atlanta prepared to host thousands of college football fans for the SEC championship game and other major events during the 2018-2019 holiday season.

In addition to the recent changes in alcohol sales laws, Georgia has also made progress in allowing home delivery of alcohol and to-go cocktails from restaurants. These changes provide greater flexibility for consumers and businesses in the sale and consumption of alcohol.

The Brunch Bill

The bill was approved by over 45 metro Atlanta cities and counties, and by 82% of voters. The law applies to bars and restaurants, which can now serve alcohol from 11 am to 11:30 pm on Sundays.

In 2022, Atlanta took another step forward by passing a measure to allow grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores to sell alcohol starting at 11 am on Sundays. This measure, which will take effect in 2023, gives Atlanta residents even more flexibility when it comes to purchasing alcohol on Sundays.

Alcohol delivery in Atlanta

In 2020, Georgia law changed to allow the delivery of beer, wine, and liquor, providing the consumer shows a valid ID at the door. This has opened up the market for alcohol delivery services, which are now provided by companies such as Drizly, GotoLiquorStore, and DoorDash.

Drizly offers an app and website where you can order your favourite beers, wines, and liquors, with delivery in 60 minutes or less. They offer a range of products, from vodka and whiskey to tequila and champagne. GotoLiquorStore is an online alcohol ordering platform that partners with local retailers to allow consumers of legal drinking age to buy alcohol online. They offer delivery or in-store pickup and work with local retailers to ensure a good selection and easy delivery. DoorDash also offers alcohol delivery from 17 restaurants in Atlanta, with super-fast delivery or pick-up.

In addition to these services, some individual stores in Atlanta also offer alcohol delivery, including Camp Creek World of Beverages and Uptown Package Store.

So, whether you're relaxing at home, stocking up for a party, or sending a gift to a friend, there are now plenty of options for alcohol delivery in Atlanta.

Alcohol sales by the drink

Previously, the sale of alcoholic beverages in Atlanta was restricted to certain hours, with Sunday sales prohibited until after 12:30 p.m. This presented an inconvenience for those wishing to purchase alcohol during a Sunday morning grocery store run or for those looking to start their brunch with a mimosa or a Bloody Mary.

However, in November 2022, Atlanta residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing earlier alcohol sales on Sundays. This measure, known as the "Sunday Alcohol Sales Measure" or the "Brunch Bill," allowed for the sale of alcohol in restaurants starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays rather than 12:30 p.m. The change in the law was driven by the recognition that religious considerations should not unduly restrict individuals' freedom to purchase alcohol when they desire.

The new measure also extended the hours for alcohol sales by the package to midnight on Sundays, giving Atlanta residents more flexibility in their purchasing options. This change aligned with the growing sentiment that the archaic "blue laws," which restricted certain activities on Sundays due to religious influences, were no longer relevant in the 21st century.

It is worth noting that the laws regarding alcohol sales can vary by jurisdiction within Georgia, and some counties may have more restrictive rules. Additionally, certain counties in Georgia are quoted as being "dry counties," where retail liquor sales are entirely prohibited. As such, it is always advisable to check the local laws and regulations pertaining to alcohol sales in a specific area.

Alcohol sales by the package

In 2015, the city of Atlanta allowed the sale of alcohol at restaurants and bars starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays, a change from the previous law that prohibited sales before 12:30 p.m. This change was referred to as the "Brunch Bill" or the "Mimosa Mandate." This law applied specifically to the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption.

In 2018, Atlanta took another step forward by passing a new law that allowed restaurants to begin serving alcoholic beverages on Sundays starting at 11 a.m. This change was also part of the "Brunch Bill." However, purchasing alcohol from grocery stores or package stores on Sunday mornings was still prohibited at this time.

In 2020, Governor Brian Kemp signed a law permitting the home delivery of beer, wine, and liquor in Georgia from various types of establishments, including restaurants, bars, convenience stores, package stores, and grocery stores. This change provided greater flexibility for residents to obtain alcoholic beverages without leaving their homes.

In 2021, to-go cocktails from restaurants were approved by the governor. Restaurants and bars with the necessary permits and licenses were allowed to sell up to two cocktails per takeout entree in approved, sealed containers. These cocktails had to be made on the same day as the order and could not contain more than three ounces of distilled spirits.

Finally, in 2022, Atlanta residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores to begin selling alcoholic beverages on Sundays starting at 11 a.m. This change aligned the start time for sales by the package with the existing start time for sales by the drink on Sundays. Additionally, the new law extended the Sunday buying time for both package sales and on-site consumption to midnight, a change from the previous cutoff time of 11:30 p.m.

As a result of these changes, Atlanta residents can now purchase beer, wine, and spirits from a variety of establishments starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays until midnight. These laws demonstrate the evolution of alcohol regulations in Atlanta, providing greater convenience and access to alcoholic beverages for residents and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions