Alcohol is prohibited from being sold in grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Alaska. Alaska and Delaware have no Sunday restrictions, but you can only buy alcohol at liquor stores.
Why can't you buy alcohol on Sunday in some states?
Sep 30, 2019 · Restaurants in South Carolina have to get a special permit to sell alcohol on Sundays, and roughly half the counties in Alabama don't allow a single drop of alcohol to be sold on Sundays (via State Liquor Laws).
What states do not sell alcohol in grocery stores?
Mar 03, 2013 · You still can't purchase any alcohol products – no beer, wine or liquor – at an Indiana store on Sundays. It's even worse when it comes to liquor: 12 states still don't allow Sunday liquor sales at...
Do liquor stores sell alcohol on Sundays in Washington State?
Jan 27, 2016 · Stop in the name of Sundays: Indiana is one of 12 states that currently prohibits the sale of spirits on Sundays — but it’s the only state that also bans wine and beer sales on …
Can you buy alcohol on Election Day in the US?
Jul 04, 2014 · Prohibition ended 80 years ago, but the impacts of the 18th Amendment reverberate today. Blue laws banning sales of alcohol on Sundays remain on the books in parts of (or all of) states like...
What states are dry alcohol States?
Three states—Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee—are entirely dry by default: counties specifically must authorize the sale of alcohol in order for it to be legal and subject to state liquor control laws.
Which state has the strictest alcohol laws?
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.
Why is alcohol not sold on Sundays in Texas?
The 1985 Legislature killed the Blue Law, save for the portion covering package liquor stores and auto dealers, effectively keeping them closed on Sundays."
Is selling alcohol on Sunday illegal in Texas?
Texas's liquor laws are stricter than those for beer. Texas liquor stores are closed on Sundays, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If Christmas or New Year's falls on a Sunday, they have to remain closed on Monday.
What state drinks the least alcohol?
Utah has the lowest consumption of alcohol, with alcohol consumption per capita of 1.34 gallons. This is most likely attributed to the strict alcohol regulations in Utah. Only nine states have alcohol consumption per capita less than the 2.1-gallon goal.
Which state has the weirdest liquor laws?
In Alaska, it's actually illegal to be drunk in a bar. Yes, you read correctly! According to the state laws, you cannot enter a bar if you are already drunk, and you cannot stay if you become drunk. Along with that, it is also illegal to give beer to a moose…for any of you who dare to get close enough.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Louisiana?
First for Louisiana: according to StateLiquorLaws.com, Louisiana has no abnormal rules, and " Southern Louisiana has some of the least restrictive liquor laws in the country." Beer, wine and liquor can be sold in grocery stores, including on Sundays.
Can you buy liquor on Sunday in Ohio?
Businesses can sell alcohol between 5:30 am to 2:30 am from Mondays to Saturdays. Sunday sales heavily depend on the location but with a special permit, alcohol may be sold from 10 pm to 1 am.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Arkansas?
Alcohol is not sold on Sundays in Arkansas. Restaurants can serve alcohol on Sundays in most cases, and some microbreweries are allowed to sell growlers.
Can you drink at midnight on your 21St birthday in Texas?
Can You Go Out Drinking On Your 21St Birthday? The age of twenty one does not permit drinking alcohol. He explained that at midnight, which is when your birthday falls on, you are allowed to consume alcohol when you are 21.
Can you buy vodka on Sunday in Texas?
No. The state's new rules do not make changes to liquor sales. In Texas, you can buy spirits until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can't purchase liquor on Sunday.
What are the blue laws in Texas?
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, commonly known as the "Texas blue law," was enacted in 1961 as a way to regulate shopping on Sundays and observe it as a day of worship or rest. It prohibited the sale of 42 specific items including cars, liquor, knives, pots, pans and even washing machines.
Which states have legalized marijuana?
Two states (Washington and Colorado) have even legalized recreational marijuana use, which further highlights how behind states are that treat alcohol with extra protective gloves. Tomorrow, Pennsylvania lawmakers are expected to introduce a bill to privatize their state liquor store system.
How long did prohibition last?
According to the history books, America's Prohibition only lasted from 1920 to 1933. There are plenty of stories of the days of jazz and gangsters and bootleg liquor. What you don't hear as much about is that ...
Can you buy wine in Pennsylvania?
It gets even stranger in Pennsylvania and Utah. If you live in these states, you can only purchase wine and liquor from state stores. Yes, that's right, the government in these two states has a monopoly on wine and liquor sales – retail and wholesale.
Can you buy liquor on Sunday in Minnesota?
Most people in Minnesota would like to be able to buy liquor on Sundays, but their state lawmakers don't seem to get the message, even though neighboring states are doing a healthy business from Minnesotans driving across states lines to make purchases. These Sunday Blue Laws are especially baffling.
Can you buy alcohol on Election Day?
In Kentucky and South Carolina, you can't buy alcohol anywhere on Election Day, even at a bar, making it a little harder to toast or drown your sorrows over election results. In five states, you can buy alcohol at your local grocery store, but only the watered down stuff – no higher than 3.2% strength.
Is Sunday a holy day?
It's clear that as America grows more diverse, Sunday is not a holy day for as many people. Even some Christian denominations have their main services on Saturdays. Culturally, Sunday is still a day of relaxation, but for many, including churchgoers, that includes alcoholic beverages.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Indiana?
You still can't purchase any alcohol products – no beer, wine or liquor – at an Indiana store on Sundays. It's even worse when it comes to liquor: 12 states still don't allow Sunday liquor sales at stores. Connecticut, hardly a conservative state, only started allowing Sunday alcohol sales last year.
When did Kansas stop selling alcohol?
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.
What age can you drink alcohol in Tennessee?
Since the Act does not restrict the minimum drinking age or the minimum age to possess alcohol in private, most states continue to allow those under 21 to drink in certain circumstances. Examples are some states like Tennessee and Washington, which allow those under 21 to drink for religious purposes.
How many counties in Alabama are wet?
Twenty-six of Alabama's 67 counties do not allow the sale of alcohol. However, possession and consumption remain legal within those 26 counties. Of the 26 "dry" counties, 23 have at least one "wet" city; these are considered "moist" dry counties. Within those 23 counties there are 43 wet cities.
When was the minimum drinking age law passed?
On July 17, 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted.
What is the drinking age in Puerto Rico?
Unlike on the mainland, the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have a minimum purchasing age and drinking age of 18 since the language of the Act only applies the provisions of the Act to states.
When did homebrewing become legal?
Homebrewing beer became legal in all 50 states in 2013 as the governor of Mississippi signed a bill legalizing homebrewing on March 19, 2013, and as the governor of Alabama signed a bill legalizing homebrewing of beer and wine, which came into effect on May 9, 2013. The Mississippi bill went into effect July 1, 2013.
Can you import alcohol from Mexico?
Motor vehicles entering from Mexico may only import 1 liter of alcohol (duty-free). Sale or distribution of grain alcohol higher than 60% ABV is illegal (legal if it is sold by a pharmacy or drug store to a person with a prescription), but there is no upper limit for other distilled liquors (B&P 23403).
Can grocery stores sell liquor?
Grocery stores can’t sell liquor, wine, or full-strength beer: Liquor stores, breweries, vintners, and distilleries are the only places you can legally buy beer and wine that’s full strength in the Rocky Mountain state, with grocery stores and other venues left out of the mix. There’s a coalition pushing to rewrite those alcohol laws, according to the Denver Post, but it won’t try to expand sales of liquor in the state as part of that ballot campaign.
Is Walmart suing Texas?
That simply won’t do for Walmart, which is currently suing Texas over the law. A court date in that case is currently set for Sept. 2016.
Is there a happy hour in Massachusetts?
Unhappy hour: Massachusetts law not only bans afterwork happy hours but also any other kind of drink special — fixed-price open bars, all-you-can-drink, free drinks, drinks as prizes. In fact, it was the first state to do so back in 1984, according to Boston Magazine. Private functions aren’t included in the law.
Is there a happy hour in Indiana?
Indiana. Afternoon delight: Technically, there are no happy hours in Indiana — while a bar can offer all-day drink specials, state law prohibits retailers from selling alcoholic beverages during a portion of the day for a reduced cost.
Why is Sunday alcohol banned?
As state and local governments cannot rely on religious reasons for the ban on Sunday alcohol sales, the justification for these restrictions must come from other factors, which include public health and safety concerns, and curbing excessive alcohol consumption and its consequences.
What time does alcohol sales start in North Carolina?
Additionally, North Carolina enacted a “brunch law” which permits counties to allow alcohol sales starting at 10am on Sundays. Many states that allow Sunday sales also allow a local option where counties and even cities can decide on alcohol sales rules.
What was the end of prohibition?
The end of national prohibition put the regulation of alcohol sales into the hands of states and localities. The scope of this includes restrictions on the days and hours that spirits, beer, and wine may be sold. The background behind these rules has a complex past that is also older than the American culture.
What is the blue law?
The term “blue law” refers to any restriction or ban on specific activities on a certain day, usually but not limited to Sundays. There is no universally agreed-upon etymology of the term. No historical evidence suggests that these laws were printed on blue paper or bound in blue ribbon as has been suggested.
Is there a blue law on Sunday alcohol sales?
Blue laws continue to exist today, almost exclusively in the realm of Sunday alcohol sales. Groups that support these restrictions hope to curb excessive consumption and the related public health and safety issues. A coalition of convenience-desiring consumers, retailers, and government officials seeking new tax revenue has successfully advocated for the greater allowance of Sunday alcohol sales, but this success is not conclusive.
When did prohibition end?
In 1919, the ratification of the 18th Constitutional Amendment banned alcohol across the country. It wasn't until 1933 when Prohibition was repealed by the ratification of the 21 st Amendment.
When did the drinking age start?
The United States has a long history of regulating alcohol consumption, from Prohibition in the early 20th century, to the Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. The Drinking Age Act essentially required all states to mandate a 21-year-old drinking age or lose federal funding for state highways and by 1988, all 50 states complied.
Is Pennsylvania a strict alcohol state?
Before 2017, Pennsylvania's alcohol laws were some of the strictest. People weren't allowed to buy hard liquor, wine, and beer in the same place, so instead, they had to go to three separate places.
Does Massachusetts have alcohol laws?
Massachusetts has some of the most strict alcohol laws, including that bars don't have to accept out-of-state IDs as proof of age. Happy hours, free drinks, and drinking games like beer pong, are also prohibited in the state. Grocery stores are also limited to only five liquor licenses per chain.
Can you buy beer in a chain store in New Jersey?
Chain stores in New Jersey can only obtain two liquor licenses throughout the whole state, so even though beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores in New Jersey, it’s not as common because of the license limit.
Can you buy beer in grocery stores?
Many states allow you to buy beer and/or wine in grocery stores. But some states do not sell any alcohol in grocery stores. Some states will allow you to buy liquor on Sundays, but even some of those don’t let you buy it before noon. For example, in Nebraska, you cannot purchase liquor until noon. But in Florida, there are no time restrictions on ...
Can you buy beer in Pennsylvania?
While you can’t purchase alcohol in all grocery stores in Pennsylvania, you can purchase beer from some gas stations. You can also purchase up to two six-packs of beer from local bars . ( source) However, over time, the laws have started to loosen a bit and some grocery stores have started selling alcohol.
Can you sell alcohol on Sunday?
Counties that do allow Sunday sales cannot sell alcohol until 12:30 p.m. Liquor stores are closed on Sunday, but beer is still sold at grocery stores. State-run liquor stores are closed, which means no liquor sales. Beer is sold all day on Sunday at grocery stores.
Is alcohol allowed on Thanksgiving?
Alcohol sales are banned on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Memorial Day. Minnesota. Car dealerships are not allowed to do business on Sunday. Mississippi. Liquor stores are closed on Sunday, but beer is still sold at grocery stores. North Carolina. State-run liquor stores are closed, which means no liquor sales.
Which state has the most confusing liquor laws?
Read this recent article for a more thorough explanation of what those limits are. You might find it interesting to know that Kentucky, home of Jim Beam, has some of the most confusing liquor laws in the country.
When was the blue law enacted?
The first blue law was enacted in colonial Virginia in 1610. Though it wasn’t called a blue law, it mandated church attendance on Sundays.
Does Alaska have a law on alcohol sales?
As a result, they have a very high rate of violence and crime stemming from intoxication. So it’s no surprise that Alaska has such harsh laws regarding alcohol sales. They’ve even been known to arrest bar patrons for being too drunk. ( source and source)
Why are blue laws important?
In the United States, the U.S. Supreme Court has held blue laws as constitutional numerous times, citing secular bases such as securing a day of rest for mail carriers, as well as protecting workers and families, in turn contributing to societal stability and guaranteeing the free exercise of religion. The origin of the blue laws also partially ...
What are the blue laws?
Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, are laws that restrict or ban some or all Sunday activities, particularly to promote the observance of a day of rest. Blue laws may also restrict shopping or ban sale of certain items on specific days, most often on Sundays in the western world.
Where did the blue laws come from?
The origin of the blue laws also partially stems from religion, particularly the prohibition of Sabbath desecration in Christian Churches following the first-day Sabbatarian tradition. Both labor unions and trade associations have historically supported the legislation of blue laws. Most blue laws have been repealed in the United States, ...
Is Paramus a blue city?
Paramus, where three of the county's five major malls are located, has even more restrictive blue laws than the county itself , banning all type of work on Sundays except in grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.
What is the Iowa code for a car dealership?
Iowa Code 322.3 states that a licensed car dealership cannot either directly or through an agent, salesperson, or employee, engage in Iowa, or represent or advertise that the person is engaged or intends to engage in Iowa, in the business of buying or selling at retail new or used motor vehicles, other than mobile homes more than eight feet in width or more than thirty-two feet in length on Sunday.
When did Arizona stop selling alcohol?
to 10 a.m.; the other six days of the week alcohol could be purchased starting at 6 a.m.). This law was repealed in 2010.
What time can you drink alcohol in Tennessee?
In addition to alcohol laws varying widely across Tennessee, bartenders are prohibited from allowing alcohol to be consumed on their premises between 3 AM and 10 AM on Sunday, unless the local government has decided not to allow extended hours for alcohol sales, in which case sale before noon is prohibited.
Where is Jack Daniels located?
Although Jack Daniels' distillery is in Tennessee, it's located in a "dry" county (Moore County), meaning alcohol isn't allowed to be purchased anytime, anywhere within the county.
Can you sell beer on Sunday in Tennessee?
There is a catch, though: On Sundays, they're not allowed to sell wine. Beer is still available for Sunday sale in grocery stores. Convenience stores and gas stations are also allowed to sell beer on Sundays.
History of Blue Laws
- The term “blue law” refers to any restriction or ban on specific activities on a certain day, usually but not limited to Sundays. There is no universally agreed-upon etymology of the term. No historical evidence suggests that these laws were printed on blue paper or bound in blue ribbon as has been suggested. Virginia enacted what some historians c...
The Basis For Sunday Alcohol Sales Restrictions
- As state and local governments cannot rely on religious reasons for the ban on Sunday alcohol sales, the justification for these restrictions must come from other factors, which include public health and safety concerns, and curbing excessive alcohol consumption and its consequences. In 2010, the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPTF) published its recommendation to …
The Growth of Sunday Alcohol Sales
- Revenue generated by Sunday sales plus evidence suggesting public sentiment in favor of Sunday sales has shifted alcohol policy. Difficulty exists in expressing a unified national theory of the growth of Sunday alcohol sales as each state, and in many states, each locality creates its own set of rules beyond what days off-premise alcohol sales may exist. These rules encompass deta…
Conclusion
- Blue laws continue to exist today, almost exclusively in the realm of Sunday alcohol sales. Groups that support these restrictions hope to curb excessive consumption and the related public health and safety issues. A coalition of convenience-desiring consumers, retailers, and government officials seeking new tax revenue has successfully advocated for the greater allowance of Sund…