Theo Nash
Alcohol sales laws in Georgia can be confusing as local jurisdictions are allowed to set their own rules, which means that the answer to the question What time does alcohol start being sold in Georgia? will vary depending on where you are in the state. For example, some counties are
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Monday-Saturday sale timings for off-premise consumption | 7 AM or 8 AM to 11:45 PM |
| Sunday sale timings for off-premise consumption | 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM or 11:45 PM |
| Monday-Saturday sale timings for on-premise consumption | 9 AM to 2 AM |
| Sunday sale timings for on-premise consumption | 11 AM to 11:30 PM |
| On-premise consumption regulations | Vary by county and city |
| Dry counties | Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, Butts, Decatur, and White County (except for the city of Helen) |
| Open container policy | Allowed in public areas but prohibited in motor vehicles |
| Fine for selling alcohol to a consumer under the age of 21 | $1,000 |
| Penalty for providing alcohol to a consumer under the age of 21 | Possible jail time of up to one year |
| Fine for violating the open container law | Up to $200 |
| Direct-to-consumer shipping | Allowed for wines and, since the pandemic, beer from any retailer with the right license |
| Alcohol delivery | Allowed for restaurants and licensed retailers |
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What You'll Learn
Monday to Saturday sales hours
From Monday to Saturday, alcohol sales in Georgia can begin as early as 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. and must end by 11:45 p.m. for gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, breweries, and taprooms. However, bars and restaurants can start serving alcohol as early as 9 a.m. and must stop by 2 a.m. or 2:30 a.m. on certain holidays.
The specific hours may vary depending on the county and local jurisdiction, with some counties considered "dry counties," where retail liquor sales are illegal. For example, in Muscogee County, you can buy beer at any time except from midnight to noon on Sundays.
It's important to note that distilled spirits can only be purchased at licensed package stores, while beer and wine can be purchased at convenience and grocery stores. Additionally, only restaurants can sell mixed drinks for delivery, and any business selling alcohol "to-go" must have special state-approved training.
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Sunday sales hours
In Georgia, the sale of alcohol on Sundays is subject to varying regulations depending on the county and city. While some counties and cities have more restrictive rules, the state law generally permits the sale of alcohol on Sundays between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm. This timeframe applies to off-premise sales at retailers such as grocery stores, gas stations, and liquor stores.
It's important to note that there are still some counties in Georgia where the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays is prohibited altogether, known as "dry counties." These include Bleckley, Coweta, Dodge, Effingham, Franklin, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Union, and White counties.
On the other hand, certain cities like Atlanta have passed measures to allow for earlier Sunday sales, with residents able to purchase alcoholic beverages from 11 am onwards. This is often referred to as the "Brunch Bill" and applies to both on-premise and off-premise sales.
The state of Georgia has a complex history with alcohol sales on Sundays, with some areas only recently permitting Sunday sales. The specific hours and regulations can vary across jurisdictions, so it's always a good idea to check the local laws in your county or city.
Additionally, it's worth noting that Georgia has an open container policy, which allows individuals to stroll in public areas with an open container of alcohol. However, this does not extend to motor vehicles, where open containers are strictly prohibited.
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On-premise consumption
On-premise alcohol consumption laws in Georgia vary by county and even city. Generally, on-premise alcohol sales are allowed from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. However, some cities have enacted a brunch bill that allows bars and restaurants to sell alcohol starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
There are also special occasions where bars and restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol until 2:30 a.m., including St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, July 3rd and 4th, and the Sunday before Memorial and Labor Day. On the other hand, many counties prohibit all alcohol sales on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government made some changes to alcohol policies to support the restaurant industry. On May 5, 2021, a bill was signed into law, allowing restaurants to sell to-go cocktails with a maximum of two alcoholic beverages per entree, which must be placed in the glove box or trunk of the customer's car.
To obtain a license for on-premise alcohol sales in Georgia, restaurants must meet specific requirements, including having a sanitary kitchen and dining room, a current Food Service Permit, and a minimum seating capacity of 30 people. They must also serve meals during at least two meal periods per day and remain open for at least six months a year.
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Off-premise consumption
In the state of Georgia, the sale of alcohol for off-premise consumption is allowed from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is restricted to between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. These timings apply to grocery stores, liquor stores, gas stations, and other retailers that sell alcohol for off-premises consumption.
It is important to note that the specific regulations regarding alcohol sales in Georgia can vary by county and even by city. While some counties in Georgia are ""dry counties,"" meaning they prohibit alcohol sales altogether, others have enacted a "brunch bill" that allows bars and restaurants to sell alcohol starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays. Additionally, certain counties may have their own unique restrictions on alcohol sales during holidays.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government made temporary changes to alcohol policies to support struggling restaurants. A bill was signed into law in 2021, allowing restaurants to permanently sell cocktails to-go, with a limit of two alcoholic beverages per entree, and they must be sold in sealed containers. This change was designed to help the hospitality industry recover financially from the pandemic.
In terms of the types of alcohol sold for off-premise consumption, beer and wine can be purchased at grocery stores and gas stations, while distilled spirits or liquor are sold exclusively at package or liquor stores. Wineries can also apply for licenses to ship their products directly to consumers.
To ensure responsible alcohol sales and delivery, Georgia requires anyone who delivers alcohol or sells it "to go" to undergo specific state-approved training, such as the Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) program. This training equips individuals with strategies to prevent illegal alcohol sales and maintain a safe environment.
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Dry counties
In the state of Georgia, alcohol sales are permitted between 7 AM and 11:45 PM for off-premise consumption. Bars and restaurants can sell alcohol between 11 AM and 11:45 PM. However, there are variations in the timing of alcohol sales across different counties in Georgia, and some counties are considered "dry counties," where retail liquor sales are prohibited.
A "dry county" is a jurisdiction that prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages. While Georgia does not have any completely dry counties, several counties are considered "moist counties," where alcohol sales are restricted in certain ways. As of 2023, the following counties in Georgia are considered moist:
- Bleckley County: Prohibits the sale of distilled spirits for both retail and on-site consumption.
- Butts County: Prohibits the sale of distilled spirits for on-site consumption, but allows off-site sales.
- Coweta County: Prohibits the retail sale of distilled spirits.
- Decatur County: Prohibits the sale of distilled spirits for on-site consumption, but allows off-site sales.
- Dodge County: Prohibits the retail sale of distilled spirits.
- Effingham County: Prohibits the retail sale of distilled spirits.
- Franklin County: Allows beer and wine sales but prohibits Sunday sales.
- Hart County: Prohibits the sale of distilled spirits for both retail and on-site consumption.
- Lumpkin County: Allows beer and wine sales but prohibits Sunday sales.
- Murray County: Allows beer and wine sales but prohibits Sunday sales.
- Union County: Allows beer and wine sales but prohibits Sunday sales.
- Upson County: Allows beer and wine sales but prohibits Sunday sales.
- White County: The county is considered moist, but the city of Helen is wet, allowing alcohol sales.
It's important to note that these regulations can change over time, and it's always advisable to refer to the most up-to-date information regarding local laws and regulations. Additionally, while Georgia has specific laws regarding alcohol sales, it is also subject to federal regulations, such as the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol sales in Georgia can start as early as 7 AM or 8 AM on weekdays and end at 11:45 PM from Monday to Saturday.
Alcohol sales on Sundays in Georgia are restricted to between 12:30 PM and 11:30 PM or 11:45 PM.
Yes, some counties in Georgia do not permit the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Additionally, some cities have a "brunch law" that allows bars and restaurants to start selling alcohol at 11 AM on Sundays.
