Mason Delacroix
The sale of alcohol in the United States is regulated by each state, resulting in a variety of laws. Some states allow alcohol sales in grocery stores, while others do not. For example, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Alaska prohibit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, while states like Montana, Ohio, Oregon, and Vermont allow the sale of specific alcoholic beverages in supermarkets and convenience stores. Additionally, some states have unique regulations, such as North Carolina, where stores can be run by local county and city governments, and New Hampshire, where alcoholic beverages are sold tax-free. The debate surrounding alcohol sales in big-box stores involves concerns about public health, the impact on small businesses, and economic considerations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States that allow alcohol sales in grocery stores | Many states, including Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Colorado, Tennessee |
| States that do not allow alcohol sales in grocery stores | Pennsylvania, Delaware, Alaska |
| States that allow beer and wine sales in grocery stores | Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Colorado, Tennessee |
| States that do not allow beer and wine sales in grocery stores | Florida, Nebraska |
| States that allow liquor sales in grocery stores | None |
| States that allow alcohol sales on Sundays | Many states, with some caveats |
| States that do not allow alcohol sales on Sundays | Texas, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Alaska, Florida, Nebraska, Baltimore County (some areas), Montgomery, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester, Garrett County (except some areas) |
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What You'll Learn
States with strict alcohol sale regulations
After the end of prohibition in 1933, states were allowed to regulate alcohol sales themselves. This has resulted in a wide variety of laws from state to state. While many states in the US do sell liquor at grocery stores, each county within the state can have its own laws regulating the sale of liquor. Some states allow the sale of beer and/or wine in grocery stores, while others do not sell any alcohol in grocery stores. Some states have a Sunday ban on retail alcohol sales, with some caveats. For example, in Texas, there are no alcohol sales on Sundays before noon, and no liquor stores are open on Sundays at all.
Pennsylvania is one of the strictest states when it comes to alcohol regulation. All spirits are sold in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board stores, and the state prohibits alcohol sales in grocery stores. In addition, Pennsylvania does not allow just anyone to open a liquor store, unlike its neighbouring state, New York. Utah is another state with strict alcohol regulations. All beverages over 4.0% ABW (5.0% ABV) are sold only in state-run stores. North Carolina is also strict, with a ban on drink offers such as "buy one get one free". Beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, but other spirits must be sold in liquor stores owned by local ABC boards.
Other states with notable alcohol sale regulations include Alaska, which has harsh laws due to its high rates of alcoholism and related violence and crime. Alaska prohibits the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, and those under 21 years of age cannot enter licensed premises unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse of age. Delaware is similar, with no alcohol sales in grocery stores and no Sunday restrictions. Virginia also has strict regulations, with all distilled spirits sold at state-run Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control locations, commonly known as Virginia ABC stores. The state has ten "moist" counties that prohibit the sale of distilled spirits and do not have any ABC stores.
Some states, such as Colorado, have opted for ballot initiatives to expand grocery store alcohol sales, as consumers are largely in favour of it. However, these initiatives have been resisted by independent liquor store owners, who fear that their small businesses will suffer if large chain retailers are allowed to sell alcohol.
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States with more relaxed alcohol sale regulations
After the end of prohibition in 1933, states were allowed to regulate alcohol sales themselves, resulting in a wide variety of laws from state to state. While some states have strict regulations on alcohol sales, others have more relaxed rules. Here are some examples of states with more relaxed alcohol sale regulations:
Montana
Montana has a mix of state-contracted Agency Liquor Stores and private businesses selling alcoholic beverages. State-contracted stores sell wine, mixed drinks, and spirits, while bars and restaurants with annual licenses can also sell alcohol. Beer and wine can be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores.
Ohio
Ohio contracts with private businesses to sell spirituous liquor (intoxicating liquor containing more than 21% alcohol by volume) on consignment. Contract Liquor Agencies can also sell beer, wine, mixed drinks, and low-proof alcohol. Privileges, such as sales for consumption on the premises, and operating hours, are dependent on the license type.
Oregon
In Oregon, beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. Other spirits must be sold in liquor stores operated by state-appointed liquor agents who are independent contractors supervised by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
Vermont
Vermont has state-contracted and licensed liquor stores. Beer and wine are sold at licensed supermarkets and convenience stores.
Missouri
Missouri is considered the second most alcohol-friendly state after Nevada. There is no open container law, meaning you can carry an open drink even from bar to bar in some towns and cities. There is also no state public intoxication law. Some bars in Kansas City and St. Louis double as liquor stores, and in Kansas City's "Power and Light District", you can take open containers out into the street.
Tennessee
Tennessee has allowed wine sales in grocery stores, resulting in a 23% increase in wine sales tax volume, demonstrating that independent liquor stores can coexist with grocery stores selling alcohol.
While the above states have more relaxed regulations, it's important to note that even within these states, there may be specific counties or towns with their own unique rules and restrictions on alcohol sales. Additionally, factors such as the day of the week, time of day, and type of alcohol (beer, wine, or liquor) can also influence the availability of alcohol purchases.
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States with no alcohol sales in grocery stores
After the end of prohibition in 1933, states were allowed to regulate alcohol sales themselves. This has resulted in a wide variety of laws from state to state. While many states in the US do sell liquor at grocery stores, some states do not sell any alcohol in grocery stores.
Pennsylvania, for example, allows bottled wine and liquor sales only through a state-run network of more than 600 "state stores". Beer is not sold at grocery stores in Pennsylvania, only at beer distributors, beverage outlets, or bars, restaurants, or bodegas with a sit-down eating area. Residents of Pennsylvania are also prohibited from buying alcohol outside the state and bringing it across the border.
In Delaware and Alaska, alcohol is also prohibited from being sold in grocery stores. Alaska and Delaware have no Sunday restrictions, but you can only buy alcohol at liquor stores. This includes beer, wine, and liquors such as tequila, vodka, and gin. Alaska has a very high rate of violence and crime stemming from intoxication, which is why it has such strict alcohol laws. In Alaska, you can't even enter a licensed premises if you are under 21 years of age unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse of legal drinking age.
Indiana is one of 12 states that prohibits the sale of spirits on Sundays, but it's the only state that also bans wine and beer sales on that day unless you're buying from a brewery or winery. Grocery and convenience stores in Indiana can't sell cold beer, and liquor, wine, or full-strength beer can only be bought at liquor stores, breweries, vintners, and distilleries.
Colorado is another state where grocery stores can't sell liquor, wine, or full-strength beer. Liquor stores, breweries, vintners, and distilleries are the only places where you can legally buy beer and wine with full strength.
Some states have more nuanced laws. In Utah, beer sold in grocery stores has 3.2% alcohol by weight, but 4.0% by volume. You can get high-point beer (over 4.0% ABV) at most bars and restaurants, but it has to be served in bottles, and any draft beer must be 4.0% ABV. Full-strength wine, beer, and liquor can be bought from state liquor stores (except on Sundays and major holidays), breweries, distilleries, wineries, and some hotels and resorts.
Other states that don't allow alcohol sales in grocery stores include Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, and West Virginia.
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States with alcohol sales in grocery stores
In the United States, each state has its own rules and regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. After the end of prohibition in 1933, states were allowed to regulate alcohol sales independently, resulting in a wide variety of laws across the country.
Some states, like Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Alaska, prohibit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, limiting purchases to liquor stores. Alaska, in particular, has strict laws due to its high rates of alcoholism, violence, and crime linked to intoxication. Other states, such as Florida, allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, but only from liquor stores.
Several states have unique regulations. For instance, in North Carolina, beer and wine can be purchased in supermarkets, but other spirits must be bought from liquor stores owned by local ABC boards. In Montana, beer and wine can be sold at supermarkets, while liquor is restricted to state-run stores or a limited number of outlets with private liquor licenses. Ohio has contracts with private businesses to sell spirituous liquor and allows contract liquor agencies to sell beer, wine, mixed drinks, and "low proof" alcohol. Oregon permits the sale of beer and wine in supermarkets, but other spirits must be purchased from state-appointed liquor agents.
While some states have resisted allowing grocery stores to sell alcohol to protect independent liquor stores, others have embraced the change. Oklahoma and Colorado, for example, have expanded grocery store alcohol sales through ballot initiatives supported by consumers. Tennessee's wine-in-grocery-store reform led to a 23% increase in wine sales tax volume, disproving the notion that chain stores harm local economies.
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States with alcohol sales in convenience stores
As of 2023, several states in the US allow the sale of alcohol in convenience and big-box stores, although the specific regulations vary by state. Here is a list of states that permit alcohol sales in convenience stores to varying degrees:
California: California allows the sale of beer, wine, and hard liquor in convenience stores and gas stations. There are no state-imposed quantity or volume restrictions, and local laws regulate the sale of alcohol.
Colorado: In Colorado, convenience stores are permitted to sell full-strength beer and benefit from relaxed ownership restrictions, allowing for greater ease of operation.
Connecticut: Connecticut permits the sale of beer in convenience stores, with some restrictions on volume and package size. Single sales of beer are prohibited, and sales are limited to containers of no more than two gallons.
Delaware: Beer and wine sales are allowed in Delaware convenience stores, with no state-imposed restrictions on days or hours of sale.
Kentucky: Beer sales are allowed in Kentucky convenience stores, with some local regulations in place.
Louisiana: In Louisiana, convenience stores can sell beer, wine, and spirits, benefiting from no state-mandated restrictions on the days or hours of sale.
Maine: Beer and wine sales are permitted in Maine convenience stores, with some local regulations and restrictions on volume and package size.
Massachusetts: Beer and wine can be sold in convenience stores in Massachusetts, with no restrictions on volume or package size.
Minnesota: Beer sales are allowed in Minnesota convenience stores, including craft beer, benefiting from no restrictions on volume or package size.
New York: Beer sales are permitted in convenience stores, and there are no state-imposed restrictions on volume or package size. Local regulations may apply.
North Carolina: Beer and wine sales are allowed in North Carolina convenience stores, with some local regulations and restrictions.
Ohio: In Ohio, convenience stores are permitted to sell beer and flavored malt beverages, with some quantity restrictions in place.
Oklahoma: Beer and wine sales are legal in Oklahoma convenience stores, with no restrictions on volume or package size.
Oregon: Beer, wine, and liquor sales are all allowed in Oregon convenience stores, with no restrictions on volume or package size.
Pennsylvania: Beer sales are permitted in Pennsylvania convenience stores, but there are some unique regulations due to the state's control over wine and spirit sales.
Texas: Beer and wine sales are common in Texas convenience stores, with no restrictions on volume or package size.
Virginia: Beer and low-alcohol wine sales are permitted in Virginia convenience stores, with some local regulations and volume restrictions in place.
It is important to note that while these states allow alcohol sales in convenience stores, the specific regulations, volume limits, and package size rules can vary by state and even by locality. Some states may also have restrictions on the days or hours that alcohol can be sold in these establishments. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local laws and regulations before purchasing or selling alcohol in any state.
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Frequently asked questions
Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Alaska completely prohibit alcohol sales in big-box stores.
Many states in the US allow alcohol sales in big-box stores, including Montana, Ohio, Oregon, and Vermont.
North Carolina allows stores to be run by local county and city governments. Utah only permits the sale of beverages over 4.0% ABW (5.0% ABV) in state-run stores.
Arguments against alcohol sales in big-box stores include concerns about the potential negative impact on public health and safety, as well as the potential for increased taxation and burden on local economies. However, new research suggests that allowing alcohol sales in big-box stores does not negatively affect smaller liquor stores, and can even lead to increased tax revenue, as seen in Tennessee.
