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List of alcohol laws of the United States

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This list of alcohol laws of the United States by state provides an overview of alcohol-related laws by state throughout the United States. This list is not intended to provide a breakdown of such laws by local jurisdiction within a state; see that state's alcohol laws page for more detailed information.

As of 2007, all U.S. states have a minimum purchase age of 21. Unlike the states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have a minimum purchase age of 18.

List by state

State Alcoholic beverage control state Alcohol sale hours Notes
Beer Wine Distilled spirits On-premises Off-premises
Alabama No No Yes no later than 2 a.m. on Sundays 6% ABV cap on beer
Beer containers may not exceed 16 ounces (0.47 l)
ABV > 14.9% wine sold in state stores
Alcohol may be served 24 hours unless restricted by local ordinances. Twenty-six of Alabama's 67 counties do not allow the sale of alcohol. However, possession and consumption remains legal within those twenty-six counties.
Alaska No 8 a.m.–5 a.m. Off-premises sales only allowed in liquor stores.
Arizona No 6 a.m.–2 a.m. (Mon.-Sat.)
10 a.m.-2 a.m. (Sun.)
Supermarkets, liquor stores, and gas stations may sell liquor.
Arkansas No 7 a.m.–2 a.m. (Class A Private Club)
10 a.m.–5 a.m. (Class B Private Club)
7 a.m.–1 a.m. (Restaurant)
7 a.m.–1 a.m. (Mon.–Fri.)
7 a.m.–midnight (Sat.)
Has numerous dry counties and other dry areas, but private clubs can serve even in dry areas.
Alcohol sales are generally prohibited on Sundays, but exceptions can be made through local option (usually for restaurants and private clubs).
No sales on Christmas Day.
Only wine produced in-state may be sold in supermarkets.
California No 6 a.m.–2 a.m. Local and/or County ordinances can restrict hours of operation for both on and off sale licenses.
Relatively unrestricted: price promotions, wine and liquor available at grocery stores and warehouse clubs
Motor vehicles entering from Mexico may only import 1L of alcohol (duty free). Sale or distribution of alcohol higher than 153 proof is illegal.
Colorado No 7 a.m.–2 a.m. 8 a.m.–midnight (Mon.–Sat.) Spirituous, vinous & malt liquor available in liquor stores only.
Liquor stores closed on Sundays & Christmas Day.
Off-premises sales of 3.2% ABW fermented malt beverages allowed on Sundays.

Liquor, with exception of 3.2% ABW beer, may only be sold at dedicated liquor stores—which may only operate in one location.

Connecticut No 9 a.m.–1 a.m. (Mon.–Thur.)
9 a.m.–2 a.m. (Fri.–Sat.)
8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Mon.–Sat.) No off-premises sales on Sundays; Sunday on-premises sales subject to local ordinances; wine and spirits only available at liquor stores, beer can be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. No holiday sales.
Delaware No 9 a.m.–1 a.m. 9 a.m.–1 a.m. (Mon.–Sat.)
noon–8 p.m. (Sun.)Municipalities with a population over 50,000 persons may impose stricter hours of sale by local ordinance.
For off-premise consumption, alcohol may only be purchased in liquor stores, taprooms or brew pubs that have an off-premise license. No person under 21 may enter a liquor store or taproom for any reason. No sales of alcohol by liquor stores or taprooms are permitted during designated holidays. Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement agency website
Florida No State law prohibits selling of alcohol between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., unless the county chooses to change the operating hours later; such as for Sunday morning. Miami-Dade County liquor stores may operate 24 hours a day. Sale, processing, or consumption of any liquor or spirit of greater than 153 proof is illegal. (FSS 565.07)

Supermarkets and other licensed business establishments may sell beer, low-alcohol liquers, and wine. Liquor must be sold in dedicated liquor stores which may be in a separate part of a grocery or a drug store.

Georgia No Hours of sale determined by county. 14% ABV cap on beer
No Sunday off-premises sales

Alcohol can be consumed in plastic cups in the streets of Savannah. Beer can be sold in convenience stores, supermarkets, and gas stations.

Hawaii No 11:50 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.; 2:00 a.m unless cabaret license is present, then 4:00 a.m. 11:50 a.m. to 12 a.m. Alcohol available in supermarkets and convenience stores.
State Alcoholic beverage control state Alcohol sale hours Notes
Beer Wine Distilled spirits On-premises Off-premises
Idaho No Yes 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sunday sales of wine, beer and spirits allowed. Alcoholic beverages exceeding 16% ABV can only be sold in Idaho State Liquor Dispensary stores, or contracted stores.
Illinois No 6am to 4am (Depending on local authorities) Liquor can be ordered for household delivery (at least in the City of Chicago).[citation needed] Opening/closing hours are up to the decision of counties or towns. No alcohol sales (including beer, wine, or liquor) allowed until 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. Alcohol available in supermarkets and convenience stores.
Indiana No 7 a.m.–3 a.m. Mon–Sat
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sun (on-premises only)
7 a.m.–3 a.m. Mon–Sat Sales limited to on-premises in restaurants on Sundays

No sales on Christmas, New Year's Day, or Election Days prior to polls closing.

Iowa No Yes 6 a.m.–2 a.m. Mon–Sat
8 a.m.–2 a.m. Sun
ABV > 5% beer shipped through state warehouse
Kansas No 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. (in counties which allow on-premises sales) 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. (Mon–Sat) (in counties which allow off-premises sales)
noon - 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. (Sun) (in communities which allow Sunday off-premises sales)
Kansas's alcohol laws are among the strictest in the United States. Kansas prohibited all alcohol from 1881 to 1948, and continued to prohibit on-premises sales of alcohol from 1949 to 1987. Sunday sales only have been allowed since 2005. Today, 29 counties still do not permit the on-premises sale of alcohol. 59 counties require a business to receive at least 30% of revenue from food sales to allow on-premises sale of alcohol. Only 17 counties allow general on-premises sales. Not all communities which allow off-premises sales allow sales on Sunday. Sales are prohibited on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The only alcoholic beverage which grocery stores and gas stations may only sell is beer with no more than 3.2% alcohol by weight. Other liquor sales only are allowed at state-licensed retail liquor stores. Kansas has comprehensive open container laws for public places and vehicles, public intoxication laws, and requirements for prospective on-premises or off-premises licensees.
Kentucky No 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Local ordinance may vote to permit Sunday sales at restaurants. On-premise sales from 2–4 a.m. only in Louisville. As of 2005 Sunday sales allowed per state law, but may still be prohibited in some areas by local ordinance (as of early 2006, such a situation existed with smaller cities within Louisville Metro, though these cities have since changed local ordinances).

Alcohol sale restriction and wet/dry (both by drink and package) allowed by both county and city local option. Approximately 53 counties in state (mostly eastern and southern counties) dry, all alcohol sale and possession prohibited; 16 "moist" counties (with "wet" cities allowing package liquor sales in counties otherwise dry); 21 counties that are otherwise dry but have communities with local option that allow sales of liquor by the drink or under special exemptions allowing sales at wineries. Majority of wet counties around major metropolitan areas in state (Louisville, Lexington, Covington, Owensboro, Paducah).

Louisiana No Alcohol can be consumed in plastic cups in the streets of New Orleans and taken from club-to-club if establishment allows it. Otherwise it depends on the locality in the state. Furthermore, you can enter most bars at 18 years of age but must be 21 years old to consume alcohol. Supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stationbs and even Wal-marts can sell beer, wine, and liquor.
Maine No No Yes 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Mon–Sat)
9 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Sun)
ABV > 15.5% wine sold in state-contracted stores. Alcohol may not be purchased after 1am any day of the week, may not be purchased prior to 6 am Monday through Saturday, and not prior to 9 am on Sunday.
Maryland No Baltimore County prohibits the sale on Sunday in some areas.
Montgomery County is an alcoholic beverage control county.
Garrett County prohibits the sale on Sunday except in some areas.
Prince Georges County limits the off-sale of alcoholic beverages to liquor stores, with at least one exception (Beltway Plaza Shell 5550 Greenbelt Road College Park MD, 20740)
Massachusetts No 8 a.m.–1 a.m. (2 a.m. in Boston)
Cities and Towns have the authority to set earlier closing times.
8 a.m.–11 p.m.
(Noon-11 p.m. on Sundays)
"Malt beverages" defined as ABW < 12%
Sunday on- and off-premise sales start at noon.
Alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption may only be sold in licensed package stores.
Sale of alcohol is prohibited at gas stations, convenience stores, or grocery stores unless the store has a special license issued by the state (rarely granted except in rural areas).
No "Happy Hours" or other limited time discounts on alcoholic beverages
No fixed price open bar/all-you-can-drink (except at private functions)
Only 2 drinks can be sold to an individual at any one time for on-premises consumption.
Holiday sales of alcohol is prohibited.
State Alcoholic beverage control state Alcohol sale hours Notes
Beer Wine Distilled spirits On-premises Off-premises
Michigan No Yes 7 a.m.–2 a.m. (Mon-Sat)

noon-2 a.m. Sun

7 a.m.-2 a.m. (Mon-Sat)

noon-2 a.m. Sun

The Michigan Liquor Control Commissionprohibits sale of alcoholic beverages after 9:00 p.m. on December 24 or on Christmas Day. On-premises sales are permitted on January 1 until 4:00 a.m. Local or County ordinance may restrict Sunday or Sunday morning sales. Although convenience stores/supermarkets may sell alcoholic beverages, Wayne County requires that all convenience stores which are part of a gas station be dry.
Minnesota No 8 a.m.–2 a.m. 7 Days 8 a.m.–10p.m. (Mon–Sat) Local and/or County ordinance prevails for hours of operation for off sale licenses. No alcohol off sale on Sunday. Beer and wine coolers with 3.2% ABW or less may be sold in grocery stores and gas stations. Growler sales allowed until 10 p.m. Monday–Saturday.
Mississippi No No Yes Local authorities fix hours of alcohol sale ABV > 6% wine and sparkling wine sold in state-contracted stores, Beer sold in conveniece stores/supermarkets


No sales on Christmas Day. No state open container laws. Free alcohol 24/7 in coastal casinos.
In most counties, alcohol can't be sold on Sundays. Furthermore, many dry counties in which it is illegal even to POSSESS.

Missouri No Most establishments:

(Mon–Sat) 6:00am–1:30am

(Sunday) 9:00am–12:00am

Special licenses in Kansas City and St. Louis:

(Daily) 6:00am-3:00am

(Mon–Sat) 6:00am–1:30am

(Sunday) 9:00am–12:00am

Sales permitted until 3:00 AM in those Kansas City and St. Louis bars grandfathered into the ability to double as liquor stores.

One of the most alcohol-permissive states, perhaps only behind Nevada and Louisiana:

Missouri law provides for 3.2% beer,[22] but it is rarely seen due to the state's permissive general alcohol laws.

Montana No No Yes Closing 2am ABV > 16% wine sold in state-contracted stores, ABV < 16% may be sold in grocery stores.
Nebraska No 6 a.m.–1 a.m. No on- or off-premises sales of hard liquor before noon on Sundays. All beer, wine, and champaigne

can be sold starting at 6 a.m. In Omaha, it was illegal to sell all liquor before noon. On December 19, 2006, the Omaha city council voted 5-1 to repeal the law.[23]

Nevada No 24 hours 24 hours There are few restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Nevada except for age.

State law also renders public intoxication legal, and explicitly prohibits any local or state law from making it a public offence.[24]

New Hampshire No No Yes 6 a.m.–1 a.m. 6 a.m.–11:45 p.m. Beer/Wine sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations, liquor sold in state run stores, which may be placed on highway rest areas.
12% ABV cap on beer.
New Jersey No Hours of alcohol sales are regulated by the governing body of each municipality All alcohol may be sold only in liquor stores or separately secured sections of supermarkets, with sales rung up within that separately secured portion. Thus, convenience stores in New Jersey are dry.

Some dry communities in southern portion of state.

New Mexico No 7 a.m.–2 a.m. except Sundays.[25] 7 a.m.–12 a.m. except Sundays[26] Supermarkets, liquor stores, and gas stations may sell liquor. An additional Sunday permit is available which allows sale (on and/or off premise) on Sundays from noon until midnight. Exceptions are the prohibition of alcohol sale on Christmas, regardless of the day it falls on,[27] and a Sunday permit allowing of sale (on and/or off premise) until 2:00 a.m. January 1st, if December 31st falls on a Sunday.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). Parents, Legal Guardians are permitted to give alcohol to children within property of their control.[citation needed]
State Alcoholic beverage control state Alcohol sale hours Notes
Beer Wine Distilled spirits On-premises Off-premises
New York No 8AM–4AM, except prohibited 4AM –. Some counties have more restrictive hours. Beer: Per state law, 24 hours/day except prohibited 3AM–8AM Sunday.
Wine & spirits: 9AM–midnight Mon–Sat, Noon–9PM Sunday.
Many counties have more restrictive hours, such as bans on beer sales overnight (hours vary).
No sale of wine or spirits before 8AM on Sundays (on or off premises). Off-premises sale of wine and spirits is only at liquor stores, and beer is not sold at liquor stores, it must be sold at supermarkets and convenience stores. All wine or spirit sales are final; no returns or exchanges of purchases are permitted.

Some counties may retain the Sunday morning beer prohibition which the state discontinued as of July 30, 2006. Twelve dry towns, mostly in western region of state. All liquor stores must be owned by a single owner, who owns that store and lives within a certain distance of it — in effect banning chain liquor stores from the state.

North Carolina No Yes No later than 2.00 a. m. every day 15% ABV cap on beer, No sale of alcoholic beverages after 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 2 a.m. until noon on Sundays, State stores closed on Sundays. Beer/Wine in grocery stores, Liquor in ABC Packages stores
North Dakota No Restricts the purchasing and selling of alcohol to those 21 or older.
Ohio No Yes 5:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m. - 1 a.m. 12% ABV cap on beer. The Division of Liquor Control does not operate retail outlets; it appoints private businesses to act as its agents and sell its products in exchange for a commission.

No intoxicating liquor shall be handled by any person under twenty-one years of age, except that a person eighteen years of age or older employed by a permit holder may handle or sell beer or intoxicating liquor in sealed containers in connection with wholesale or retail sales, and any person nineteen years of age or older employed by a permit holder may handle intoxicating liquor in open containers when acting in the capacity of a server in a hotel, restaurant, club, or night club. .[28]

Oklahoma No 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 3.2% ABW(4.0% ABV) or less in stores
4.0% ABV/3.2 ABW or higher only sold at room temperature in liquor stores, Liquor Stores closed on Sundays and some holidays. As of 2007, liquor stores are now open on election days.
Oregon No Yes 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. at On-Premises Licensees (Bars, Restaurants) 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Off-Premises Licesnees (Liquor Stores, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores) Liquor, all of which is state owned, is sold in private liquor stores. These stores are approved by Oregon's Liquor Commissioners to act as sales agents on the state's behalf.

Oregon Liquor Control Commission

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association

Pennsylvania No Yes State stores hours vary from 9a.m. to 10p.m. Mon–Sat and always noon until 5p.m. Sunday. Check with Liquor Control Board store search Wine and spirits can only be sold at State-operated stores, beer can be purchased at beverage outlets, or restaurants with Liquor Control Board–issued licenses but not supermarkets. Non-alcoholic beer is an exception, and may be sold in supermarkets. Sunday sales were prohibited in LCB stores until 2003 (selected locations) and beverage outlets (owner's option) until 2005. There are currently seven state liquor stores located within supermarkets.[1]
Rhode Island No As late as 2 a.m. (Mon-Sat) 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

(Sunday) 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

All alcohol may be sold only in liquor stores. Thus, convenience stores and supermarkets in Rhode Island are dry.
South Carolina No On-premise closing times are local option and are not set by the state. 24 hours for beer and low-alcohol wine, 9am-7pm Mon-Sat. at liquor stores 14% ABW (17.5% ABV) cap on beer
Wine > 16% ABV sold in liquor stores
No hard liquor sales after 7 p.m. and none on Sundays.
No off-premise alcohol sales after midnight Saturday until 7 a.m. Monday, except in Aiken, Greenville, Spartanburg, Horry County, Colleton County, Charleston County/city and Beaufort County. No sales on election days at liquor stores.
South Dakota No 14% ABV cap on beer
State Alcoholic beverage control state Alcohol sale hours Notes
Beer Wine Distilled spirits On-premises Off-premises
Tennessee No Mon-Sat: 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Hours of alcohol sale can be modified by local jurisdictions if approved by the alcohol control commission. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mon–Sat Wine is only sold in liquor stores. Sales of liquor are limited to on-premises in restaurants on Sundays. Open container law only applies to drivers, not passengers.[29]
Texas No 7 a.m. to midnight, local option for later hours until 2 a.m. Beer/Non-hard liquor —
7 a.m. to midnight (Mon.-Fri.)
7 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Sat.)
12:00 p.m. to midnight (Sun.)
Hard Liquor —
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.)
No alcohol cap but ABV > 15.5% requires additional license, so many places are beer/wine only.
Wet/dry issues determined by city/county election.
Liquor stores statewide closed all day Sunday.
An alcoholic beverage served (on-premise) to a customer between 10 a.m. and noon on Sunday must be provided during the service of food to the customer.
Utah Yes Restaurants: Noon to midnight for liquor, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for beer. Private clubs may serve liquor from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Varies by state liquor store hours. ABW > 3.2% beer sold in state controlled stores only. State controlled store closed on Sundays and cease operations no later than 10 p.m. the rest of the week. Restaurants and "Private Clubs" must buy from the State controlled store (no delivery) at retail prices. No alcohol served on Election Day until 8PM. No alcohol served in restaurants without purchase of food. Only 3.2% beer available on tap. Ban on the sales of kegs.
Vermont No No Yes 8 a.m.–2 a.m. 6 a.m.–midnight ABV > 8% beer and ABV > 16% wine are only available through state liquor stores.
Virginia No No Yes 6 a.m.–2 a.m. No restrictions at any time for club licensees. 6 a.m.–11:59 p.m. Licensed supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations may sell beer and wine. ABV >14% wine and spirits sold in state stores. State stores closed on Sundays, except in Northern Virginia, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.
Washington No Yes 6 a.m.–2 a.m. A local government subdivision may fix later opening hours or earlier closing hours than those here specified Beer and wine available in grocery stores and convenience stores every day (including federal holidays) from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Spirits for off-premise consumption are sold only in state-run or state-contracted liquor stores. Store hours vary by location, but liquor sales may not be rung up before 8 a.m. and may not be rung up after 11 p.m. Some stores are open Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. All state-owned stores are closed on federal and state holidays, while contract stores have the option to remain open at the discretion of the store manager.
West Virginia No Yes M-S: 7AM-3:30AM; Sun: Noon -3AM 6% ABV Cap on Beer. No Sunday liquor sales. No sale of 95% ABV spirits allowed in Morgantown or Huntington (and soon statewide). State does not operate retail stores; retains monopoly over wholesaling of distilled spirits only.
Wisconsin No 6 a.m.–2 a.m. Sunday–Thursday, 2:30 a.m. Friday–Saturday. 8 a.m.–12 midnight for beer (some counties only allow sales until 9 p.m. for beer), 8 a.m.–9 p.m. for liquor and wine Wisconsin permits the consumption of alcohol by minors, provided they are being supervised by parents/guardians/spouses. Most municipalities have a uniform 9 p.m. restriction on all alcohol sales. Notable exceptions: City of LaCrosse, Maple Bluff (near Madison). Supermarkets, liquor stores, and gas stations may sell liquor, wine, and beer..
Wyoming No Yes 6.00 a.m.-2.00 a.m. Clubs holding liquor licenses may be exempt from the hours of operation here specified by local ordinance or regulation of the appropriate licensing authority, but it doesn't seem to happen in practice
District of Columbia No 8 a.m.–2:00 a.m. Mon.–Thu., 8:00 a.m.–3:00 a.m. Fri–Sat., 10:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m. Sun. 9 a.m.–10 p.m. No singles sold
Certain wards may be made dry by the decision of the local ANC, but as of 2005 none are
Last call may be as late as 2:30 a.m.
Liquor stores must close on Sundays. Grocery stores, which are allowed to sell beer and wine only, can sell alcohol on Sundays.
Puerto Rico No Minimum drinking age is 18.
Dry law during elections and hurricane emergencies
Drinking on the street is illegal in San Juan but not in all cities. Determined by municipal ordinance.
In San Juan, the only time of the year one can drink on the street legally is the San Sebastian Street festival in January.

Maps of specific statistics

See also

References

  1. ^ Justin Roberts, "Missouri State and Local Open Container Laws," University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy, June 2005
  2. ^ Chapter 311, Revised Statutes of Missouri (R.S.Mo.)
  3. ^ Section 311.020, R.S.Mo.
  4. ^ Section 311.170, R.S.Mo.
  5. ^ Section 311.174, R.S.Mo.
  6. ^ Ibid.
  7. ^ Ibid.
  8. ^ Section 311.176, R.S.Mo.
  9. ^ Section 311.178, R.S.Mo
  10. ^ Section 311.200, R.S.Mo.
  11. ^ Section 311.325, R.S.Mo.
  12. ^ Ibid.
  13. ^ Section 311.310, R.S.Mo.
  14. ^ Section 311.086, R.S.Mo.
  15. ^ Section 311.310, R.S.Mo.
  16. ^ Section 311.055, R.S.Mo.
  17. ^ "Don't Try This at Home," Domestic Fuel: Alternative Fuel News: Archives, May 4, 2006
  18. ^ 26 U.S.C. 5179
  19. ^ 26 U.S.C. 5601
  20. ^ 26 U.S.C. 5602
  21. ^ 27 CFR Part 19
  22. ^ Chapter 312, R.S.Mo.
  23. ^ "Council Says Yes To Early Sunday Beer Sales - Political News Story - KETV Omaha". Retrieved 2008-02-23.
  24. ^ "Nevada Revised Statutes: Chapter 458, Section 260". Retrieved 2007-05-10.
  25. ^ NMSA 60-7A-1 Section A
  26. ^ NMSA 60-7A-1 Section B
  27. ^ NMSA 60-7A-1 Section D
  28. ^ "Ohio Revised Code» TITLE [43] XLIII LIQUOR» CHAPTER 4301: LIQUOR CONTROL LAW". Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  29. ^ Michie's Legal Resources