Best Beer Options Available At Safeway, Moco

If you're looking to buy beer in Montgomery County, Maryland, you may be out of luck at most grocery stores. Back in the 1980s, a law was passed prohibiting the sale of alcohol in Maryland grocery stores. Only four MoCo supermarkets – Shoppers, Giant, Safeway, and Magruder's – were exempt from this law due to a grandfather clause, but each of these stores is only allowed one location to sell beer and wine. However, you can buy beer online or in-store at Safeway, which offers a range of classic beer brands and new brewery favorites, as well as non-alcoholic options.

Safeway's online and in-store beer options

Safeway offers a wide range of beer options, both in-store and online. Their selection includes classic beer brands and new brewery favorites, as well as craft beers and non-alcoholic options.

For those who enjoy a traditional beer, Safeway offers well-known brands such as Budweiser, Coors, and Heineken. You can find these beers in a variety of package sizes, including convenient cans and bottles.

If you're looking for something a little different, Safeway also stocks beers from local and craft breweries. For instance, they offer the Cascade Lakes Brewing Company Hazy Kush Pack and Blonde Bombshell, as well as the Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin Ale and IPA. These beers provide a unique flavor experience and are perfect for those who want to explore different styles.

Additionally, Safeway provides a range of non-alcoholic beer options for those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol content. The Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Beer and the Athletic Non-Alcoholic Run Wild IPA are just a few of the choices available.

Whether you're planning a backyard cookout or a quiet night in, Safeway has you covered with their extensive beer selection. You can conveniently shop online or visit your nearest Safeway store to explore their full range of beer options.

It is worth noting that beer and wine sales in grocery stores are subject to local regulations. While Safeway is permitted to sell beer and wine in some locations, this may not be the case in all areas. For instance, in Maryland, a law from the 1980s prohibits alcohol sales in grocery stores, with a few exceptions, including one location each for Safeway, Giant, Shoppers, and Magruder's.

Non-alcoholic beer at Safeway

If you're looking to buy non-alcoholic beer at Safeway, you're in luck! Safeway offers a range of non-alcoholic beer options that you can buy online or in-store.

One popular option is the Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Beer. With 0.0% alcohol and only 69 calories, Heineken 0.0 is a refreshing choice that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. It's crafted with the same uncompromising characteristics that Heineken has been known for since 1873. You can get a 6-pack of 11.2 fl. oz. bottles at Safeway.

Another great choice is the Athletic Non-Alcoholic Run Wild IPA. This innovative craft brew is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of a refreshing IPA without the alcohol. It's brewed with organic Vienna malt and a blend of five Northwest hops, resulting in a perfectly balanced beer with an approachable bitterness and a classic piney, citrusy aroma. Athletic Brewing's non-alcoholic brews are below 0.5%, the universally accepted limit for non-alcoholic beverages. You can find the Run Wild IPA in a 6-pack of 12 fl. oz. cans at Safeway.

In addition to these options, Safeway also offers a variety of other non-alcoholic beers, including the Zoigl Pilsner, Cascade Lakes Brewing Company Hazy Kush Pack, and Tropic Pines IPA. You can browse their selection online or visit your local Safeway store to see what's available.

It's worth noting that the availability of beer at Safeway stores in MoCo (Montgomery County, Maryland) has been a bit complex due to alcohol regulations. While a law from the 1980s prohibited the sale of alcohol in Maryland grocery stores, some supermarkets like Safeway were exempted due to a grandfather clause. However, even for these stores, only one location is allowed to sell beer and wine. So, if you're in MoCo, you may need to check which specific Safeway store is licensed to sell beer.

Craft beer at Safeway

If you're looking to buy craft beer at Safeway, you're in luck! Safeway offers a range of beer options, including classic brands and new brewery favorites, which can be purchased online or in-store.

In the beer category, you'll find a variety of craft beer options such as the Cascade Lakes Brewing Company, which offers the Hazy Kush Pack and the Blonde Bombshell in cans. If you're looking for an IPA, they also have the Hop Valley Wesco IPA and the Crux No Mo IPA available. For something a little different, you might want to try the Anderson Valley Brewing Beer Brother Davids Bottle or the Tropic Pines IPA. These craft beers come in a range of package sizes, from 4-packs to 12-packs, so you can stock up or try a variety.

While the specific website pages for beer and craft beer are impacted by your browser, you can still access the information you need by updating your browser or using a supported browser. This will ensure you can see all the relevant details and make the most of your shopping experience, allowing you to browse categories faster and discover more ways to shop.

Additionally, it's worth noting that while most grocery stores in MoCo, Maryland, do not sell beer and wine due to a law passed in the 1980s, Safeway is one of the four supermarkets that are exempt from this restriction due to a grandfather clause. So, if you're in MoCo, you can take advantage of Safeway's beer offerings, but keep in mind that only one location per store is permitted to sell beer and wine.

Beer and wine license for grocery stores in MoCo

In the 1980s, a law was passed in Maryland prohibiting the sale of alcohol in grocery stores. However, four MoCo supermarkets were exempted from this law due to a grandfather clause: Shoppers, Giant, Safeway, and Magruder's. These stores are only allowed to sell beer and wine in one location each. Additionally, some specialty stores that are also considered grocery stores, such as Balducci's and Roots, are permitted to sell alcohol.

In 2021, a bill was introduced by District 15's Delegate Lily Qi, which aimed to provide guaranteed access to a Class A beer and wine license for grocery stores in specific areas. The bill also made it possible for grocery stores in other areas to obtain these licenses. The areas with guaranteed access, known as "areas of priority funding," were identified as having fewer grocery stores and limited access to fresh food for residents. The bill stated that stores eligible for a Class A license must offer a full line of food products in at least six different categories, including fresh produce, uncooked meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products. It also required that at least 50% of the store's square footage be dedicated to the sale of food or non-alcoholic beverages.

The bill sparked discussion among the county council, with some members expressing support and others raising concerns about its potential impact on small businesses. Ultimately, the council decided to table the decision to allow more time for reviewing the bill. As of 2021, the bill was withdrawn by Delegate Lily Qi, with expectations that it would be reintroduced with tweaks in 2022.

While the law currently restricts the sale of beer and wine in most grocery stores in MoCo, residents can still purchase alcoholic beverages from select supermarkets, such as Safeway, which offers a range of beer, wine, and spirits both online and in-store.

Other places to buy beer in MoCo

In Montgomery County, Maryland, there are several independent craft breweries, including:

• Astro Lab Brewing: Silver Spring
• Brawling Bear Brewing: Gaithersburg
• Brookeville Beer Farm: Brookeville
• Denizen’s Brewing Company: Silver Spring
• Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co.: Gaithersburg
• Saints Row Brewing: Rockville
• 7 Locks Brewing: Rockville
• Silver Branch Brewing Co: Silver Spring
• True Respite Brewing Company: Rockville
• Waredaca Brewing Company: Laytonsville
• Twin Valley Distillers: Rockville
• Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard: Dickerson
• Rocklands Farm Winery & Market: Poolesville
• Urban Winery: Silver Spring
• Great Shoals Winery: Takoma Park
• Olney Winery: Olney

Some notable bottle shops in Montgomery County include:

• Downtown Crown Wine and Beer: Gaithersburg
• Gilly's Craft Beer and Fine Wine: Rockville

Additionally, specialty stores that are also considered grocery stores, such as Balducci's and Roots, sell beer and wine.

Frequently asked questions