Georgia's Alcohol Sales: Banned Or Restricted?

While Georgia is not a dry state, there are several counties that are. In these counties, retail liquor sales are illegal. In 2011, Georgia voted to end the statewide ban on Sunday alcohol sales, which had been in place for over a century. However, individual counties are allowed to set their own rules and regulations around alcohol sales, and some have chosen to maintain the prohibition on Sunday sales. Additionally, there are restrictions on the days and hours during which alcohol can be sold, and certain types of alcohol, such as distilled spirits, can only be purchased at licensed package stores.

Alcohol sales on Sundays

In 2011, Georgia communities voted on whether to continue the ban on Sunday liquor sales, and 105 out of 127 communities decided to end the prohibition. As a result, Sunday alcohol sales are now permitted in most parts of the state, with some exceptions. Certain counties in Georgia, known as "dry counties", prohibit retail liquor sales altogether. As of 2023, the dry counties include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, and White (except for the city of Helen). Additionally, Butts and Decatur counties allow alcohol sales for off-site consumption but not for on-site consumption in places like bars and restaurants.

For areas where Sunday alcohol sales are allowed, the hours of sale are typically restricted. Off-premises retailers, such as gas stations, grocery stores, and liquor stores, can sell alcohol on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. or 11:45 p.m. Bars and restaurants may have different regulations, with some jurisdictions allowing a brunch law that permits alcohol service to begin earlier, at 11 a.m. on Sundays.

It is important to note that local laws and regulations can further impact Sunday alcohol sales in Georgia. Some cities and counties may have more restrictive rules, and certain special occasions or holidays may also influence the hours during which alcohol can be sold.

Georgia also has an open container policy, which allows individuals to carry open containers of alcohol in public areas. However, this does not extend to motor vehicles, where open containers are strictly prohibited.

Dry counties

Georgia is not a dry state, meaning alcohol can be purchased within the state. However, certain counties in Georgia are "dry counties", meaning retail liquor sales are illegal in those jurisdictions. Coweta, Dodge, Franklin, Decatur, and Murray are considered dry counties, where retail sales of liquor are not allowed. Butts and Decatur counties prohibit alcohol sales for on-site consumption in bars and restaurants, but allow sales for off-site consumption. Upson County is the opposite, prohibiting retail alcohol sales but permitting alcohol service in bars and restaurants.

Individual counties in Georgia are allowed to set the days and time frames for alcohol sales, though they may not permit sales before 8 a.m. In 2011, Georgia communities voted on whether to continue the ban on Sunday liquor sales, and 105 out of 127 communities ended the ban. As of 2021, customers can buy alcohol on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. at licensed package stores or other retail locations. Some cities have enacted a brunch bill, allowing bars and restaurants to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. on Sundays.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government made some statewide changes to alcohol policies to help restaurants stay afloat. A bill was signed into law in 2021, allowing restaurants to sell to-go cocktails permanently. Restaurants can sell a maximum of two alcoholic beverages per entree, which must be in sealed containers and placed in the trunk or glove box of a car during transport.

Licensed retailers

Retailers in Georgia can only sell alcoholic beverages within specific hours. Beer and wine can be sold in retail establishments like grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations, typically between 7 am and 11:45 pm. However, individual counties and cities may have their own rules and regulations around alcohol sales, including the days and time frames for sales. For example, in the city of Atlanta, licensed retailers can sell packaged wine or malt beverages 24 hours a day from Monday to Saturday and on Sundays from 11 am to midnight.

Distilled spirits, including whiskey, scotch, bourbon, tequila, rum, and vodka, are restricted to specially permitted package stores, and cannot be sold in grocery stores. Only liquor stores are permitted to deliver distilled spirits, while restaurants can sell mixed drinks for delivery. Retailers should also be aware that open containers are legal in Georgia, and that Georgia law allows victims of alcohol-related injuries to seek damages against the business that provided the alcoholic beverages.

To ensure compliance with alcohol regulations, licensed retailers in Georgia must ensure that all alcohol products sold have a label registration approved by The Alcohol & Tobacco Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue. This division oversees licensing, tax collection, auditing, fee collection, and enforcing the state's laws and regulations. Additionally, retailers must comply with the Off-Premise and Delivery program, which provides strategies for preventing illegal alcohol sales or deliveries to underage or intoxicated patrons.

On-site vs off-site consumption

In Georgia, the sale of alcohol is permitted on Sundays between 12:30 pm and 11:45 pm, provided the local government does not disapprove. However, some counties in Georgia do not allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays at any time. While Georgia is not a dry state, certain counties, such as Coweta, Dodge, Franklin, Decatur, and Murray, are considered dry counties, meaning they do not permit the retail sale of liquor.

When it comes to on-site consumption, bars and restaurants in Georgia are allowed to sell alcohol between the hours of 11 am and 11:45 pm. This includes the sale of mixed drinks, which are restricted to restaurants for delivery or takeout. On the other hand, off-site consumption refers to the purchase of alcoholic beverages from retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. The permitted hours for off-site consumption are from 7 am to 11:45 pm, and only beer and wine can be sold in these establishments. Distilled spirits, including liquor, are restricted to specially permitted package stores.

The distinction between on-site and off-site consumption is important in Georgia due to varying regulations. For example, in Butts and Decatur counties, alcohol sales for on-site consumption in bars and restaurants are prohibited, while off-site consumption is allowed. In contrast, Upson County prohibits retail alcohol sales but permits alcohol service in bars and restaurants. Additionally, certain counties have enacted a brunch bill, allowing earlier on-site sales of alcohol starting at 11 am on Sundays.

To ensure compliance with alcohol regulations, Georgia requires training for individuals involved in the sale or delivery of alcohol. The state offers the Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) program, which provides strategies to avoid illegal alcohol sales and knowledge of relevant regulations. This training is recommended for anyone involved in on-site or off-site alcohol sales to protect them from legal consequences.

In summary, Georgia's alcohol laws differentiate between on-site and off-site consumption, with specific regulations for each type of establishment. On-site consumption in bars and restaurants is permitted during specified hours, while off-site consumption involves the purchase of alcohol from retailers within designated time frames. The state's dry counties and local government approvals also play a role in shaping the landscape of alcohol sales in Georgia.

Alcohol delivery

Georgia has a complex set of laws governing the sale and delivery of alcohol. While the state is not a dry state, certain counties within it are classified as dry counties, meaning that retail sales of liquor are not permitted. These include Coweta, Dodge, Franklin, Decatur, and Murray.

In 2011, Georgia ended its statewide ban on Sunday alcohol sales, with 105 out of 127 communities voting to overturn the restriction. However, individual counties are still permitted to restrict Sunday sales if they choose. In addition, counties can set the days and time frames for alcohol sales, though they may not permit sales before 8 a.m.

The sale of alcohol in Georgia is regulated at both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, the state is overseen by the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, while at the state level, the Alcohol & Tobacco Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue is responsible for licensing, tax collection, auditing, fee collection, and enforcing state laws and regulations. All alcohol products sold in Georgia must have a label registration approved by the Alcohol & Tobacco Division to comply with federal and state regulations.

In terms of delivery, Georgia has specific regulations in place. Only liquor stores are permitted to deliver distilled spirits, while only restaurants may sell mixed drinks for delivery. All other businesses can only sell prepackaged alcohol. Additionally, anyone delivering alcohol must undergo special state-approved training, such as the courses provided by TIPS, to prevent illegal sales to underage or intoxicated individuals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia implemented changes to its alcohol policies to support struggling restaurants. A bill was passed in May 2021, allowing restaurants to sell to-go cocktails permanently. Restaurants can sell up to two alcoholic beverages per entree, which must be sealed and placed in the trunk or glove box of the customer's car during transport.

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