List of alcohol laws of the United States by state

This list of alcohol laws of the United States by State provides an overview of alcohol-related laws

Alcohol law

Alcohol laws are laws in relation to the manufacture, use, influence and sale of alcoholic beverages.-Alcohol law:Alcohol laws often seek to reduce the availability of alcoholic beverages, often with the stated purpose of reducing the health and social side effect of their consumption...

by state

U.S. state

A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...

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 July 1988, all U.S. states and the District of Columbia have a minimum purchase age of 21. However, prior to 1988, the minimum purchase age varied

U.S. history of alcohol minimum purchase age by state

The alcohol laws of the United States regarding minimum age for purchase have changed over time. The history is given in the table below. Unless otherwise noted, if different alcohol categories have different minimum purchase ages, the age listed below is set at the lowest age given for The...

from state to state. Unlike the states, the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...

and the U.S. Virgin Islands

United States Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands of the United States are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an insular area of the United States. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles.The U.S...

have a minimum purchase age of 18; however, the minimum purchase age is 21 in the Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands , is a commonwealth in political union with the United States, occupying a strategic region of the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines...

and Guam

Guam

Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...

List by state

State	Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control states, generally called control states, are those in the United States that have state monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits....			Alcohol sale hours		Grocery Store Sales			Notes
State	Beer	Wine	Distilled spirits	On-premises	Off-premises	Beer	Wine	Distilled Spirits	Notes
Alabama	No		Yes	No later than 2 a.m. on Sundays in some counties.		Yes		No	13.9% ABV Alcohol by volume Alcohol by volume is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in an alcoholic beverage .The ABV standard is used worldwide.... 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. Cities with populations greater than 1000 within dry counties can "go wet" if passed by 50% of voters.
Alaska	No			8 a.m.–5 a.m., except election days (liquor stores may not open until polls close)		No (although many grocery stores have separate areas that sell all forms of alcoholic beverages and many bars sell packaged liquor as well)			Most communities have more restrictive laws, ranging from restrictions on operating hours to bans on sale and possession. Sellers/servers may not, for any reason, give a person alcohol for free or sell it for less than its cost. Sellers/servers may drink while on duty, but no intoxicated person may remain on the premises, so an impaired server could be arrested.
Arizona	No			6 a.m.–2 a.m. 7 days a week-No election day nor holiday restrictions		Yes			Sales of any type of alcohol are legal at any store that has an off-premises liquor license, including but not limited to convenience stores and grocery stores. Bars may sell closed containers of alcohol for consumption off the premises. Drive-through liquor stores are allowed. Everclear Grain Alcohol Proof 190 (95% alcohol) is legal. A large percentage of the land area of Arizona is in Indian reservations, many of which have liquor laws considerably more restrictive than state law, up to and including total prohibition. "Beer busts" (all the beer/liquor one can drink for a set price) in bars are illegal. Persons 19 years of age or older may work in bars and liquor stores serving and selling alcohol. Patrons may not have more than two drinks in front of them at any time, or one large pitcher of beer. DUI penalties are some of the most severe in the nation. A person convicted of a DUI (even first offense) must have an interlock installed in his or her car for one year. Arizona has an 'Impaired to the Slightest Degree' law that can convict a person even if his or her BAC is less than .08%.
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.)	Yes		No	Has numerous dry counties Dry county A dry county is a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages. Some prohibit off-premises sale, some prohibit on-premises sale, and some prohibit both. Hundreds of dry counties exist across the United States, almost all of them in the South... 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.
California	No			6 a.m.–2 a.m.		Yes			Relatively unrestricted; beer, wine and liquor available at grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and warehouse clubs. No statewide holiday restrictions. Motor vehicles entering from Mexico may only import 1L of alcohol (duty free). Sale or distribution of alcohol higher than 153 proof is illegal. You may serve alcohol if you are at least 18 years of age. City and County governments can set different sale hours.
Colorado	No			7 a.m.–2 a.m.	Beer, wine, and liquor: 8 a.m.–midnight 3.2 beer: 5 a.m.-midnight	3.2 only*	No*		Spirituous, vinous & malt liquor available in liquor stores and liquor-licensed drug stores only. Liquor stores closed on Christmas Day. Sunday sales restriction lifted on July 1, 2008. Liquor stores and liquor-licensed drug stores may have only one location, while 3.2% beer may be sold in gas stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Appropriately licensed businesses may also sell 3.2% beer for both on and off-premise consumption. A small number of grocery stores are licensed as drug stores and sell full strength beer, wine, and spirits.
Connecticut	No			9 a.m.–1 a.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) 9 a.m.–2 a.m. (Fri.–Sat.) 11 a.m.–1 a.m.(Sun.)	8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Mon.–Sat.)	Yes	No		No off-premises sales on Sundays; Sunday on-premises sales subject to local ordinances. Beer can be purchased at grocery/convenience stores. Spirits and wine can only be purchased at liquor stores.
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.	No			For off-premise consumption, alcohol may only be purchased in liquor store Liquor store In the United States, Australia and Canada, a liquor store is a type of store that specializes in the sale of alcoholic beverages. In South Africa and Namibia these stores are generally called bottle stores.... s, taprooms or brew pubs that have an off-premise license. No person under 21 may enter a liquor store or taproom for any reason even for the intent of purchasing only tobacco or lottery tickets. No sales of alcohol by liquor stores or taprooms are permitted during designated holidays. Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement agency website
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. Stores Closed Sun, but bars/restaurants are open	9 a.m.–10 p.m.	Yes		No	No singles sold Certain wards may be made dry by the decision of the local ANC Advisory Neighborhood Commission thumb\|right\|upright\|The District of Columbia is divided into 8 wards, each of which is further divided into local ANCs.Advisory Neighborhood Commissions are bodies of local government in Washington, D.C... , but none are Last call Last call (bar term) In a bar, a last call is an announcement made shortly before the bar closes for the night, informing patrons of their last chance to buy alcoholic beverages. There are various means to make this signal, like ringing a bell, flashing the lights, or announcing orally.Last call times are often... may be as late as 2:30 a.m. Liquor stores must close on Sundays (except on December 24 and 31 when those dates fall on Sunday). Grocery stores, which are allowed to sell beer and wine only, can sell alcohol on Sundays.
Florida	No			State law prohibits selling of alcohol between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., unless the county chooses to change the operating hours later; such as for Sunday morning; Ormond Beach stays open until 7pm on Sundays. Miami-Dade County liquor stores may operate 24 hours a day.		Yes		No	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 liquors, and wine. Liquor must be sold in dedicated liquor stores which may be in a separate part of a grocery or a drug store. Beer must be sold in quantities of 32 or fewer ounces or greater than 1 gallon. Forty- and 64-ounce beverages are illegal.
Georgia	No			Hours of sale determined by local jurisdiction. No alcohol sales on Christmas Day.		Yes		No	14% ABV cap on beer. Sunday off-premises sales from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. allowed only by local referendum. In general, one may not be drunk in public. Though there is no state law prohibiting drinking in public, most municipal corporations and political subdivisions limit the possession of open containers of alcohol to private property, with one notable exception being Savannah. A charge of public drunkenness is only warranted when one is drunk in public and his acts are either loud or disorderly.
Hawaii	No			Bars and restaurants stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m., but some hold a special ‘cabaret license’ that allows them to continue serving alcohol until 4 a.m. http://www.alcohollaws.org/hawaiialcohollaws.html	11:50 a.m. to 12 a.m.	Yes
State	Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control states, generally called control states, are those in the United States that have state monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits....			Alcohol sale hours		Grocery Store Sales			Notes
State	Beer	Wine	Distilled spirits	On-premises	Off-premises	Beer	Wine	Distilled Spirits	Notes
Idaho	No		Yes	10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., 2:00 a.m. in some counties		Yes		No	Alcoholic beverages exceeding 16% ABV Alcohol by volume Alcohol by volume is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in an alcoholic beverage .The ABV standard is used worldwide.... can only be sold in Idaho State Liquor Dispensary Idaho State Liquor Dispensary The Idaho State Liquor Division is an agency of the government of the state of Idaho that maintains a monopoly on the sale of all alcoholic beverages that exceed 16% alcohol by volume.... stores, or contracted stores.
Illinois	No			Depending on local government; 24-hour bars are permitted in Cicero Cicero, Illinois Cicero is an incorporated town in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 83,891 at the 2010 census. Cicero is named for the town of Cicero, New York, which in turn was named for Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman statesman and orator.... ; a handful of 21-22 hour bars exist in Cook County Cook County, Illinois Cook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than... , and the Metro East.		Yes			Opening/closing hours are up to the decision of counties or towns.
Indiana	No			7 a.m.–3 a.m.	7 a.m.–3 a.m. No sale on Sunday	Yes			Sales limited to on-premises in restaurants, wineries and breweries on Sundays. No sales on Christmas. Minors, including babies, are not allowed to enter a liquor store. No sales of cold beer in grocery stores or gas stations. ID must be presented for all off-premises sales as of July 1, 2010 per IC 7.1-5-10-23. (Outdated as of 1 July 2011)
Iowa	No		Yes	6 a.m.–2 a.m. Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–2 a.m. Sun		Yes			ABV Alcohol by volume Alcohol by volume is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in an alcoholic beverage .The ABV standard is used worldwide.... > 5% beer shipped through state warehouse
Kansas Alcohol laws of Kansas The alcohol laws of Kansas are among the strictest in the United States, in sharp contrast to its neighboring state of Missouri , and similar to its other neighboring state of Oklahoma...	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)	3.2 only	No		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 Christmas Christmas Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days... and Easter Easter Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday... . 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 Alcohol laws of Kentucky Of the 120 counties in Kentucky, 46 are completely dry, 42 are considered partially dry or "moist", 31 are entirely wet, and one is classified as wet but is actually closer to "moist"...	No			6 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday through Saturday	1 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Sundays	Yes	No		Local ordinance may vote to permit Sunday sales at restaurants. Sales from 2–4 a.m. only in Louisville. As of 2005 Sunday sales were 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 the state (mostly eastern and southern counties) are 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, Bowling Green).
Louisiana	No			No state imposed restrictions on on-premise hours. "24 hour" bars are common in New Orleans and in Jefferson Parish. Some municipalities and parishes require on-premise service to stop at 2:00 am.	No restrictions on hours of package sales statewide.	Yes			Packaged alcoholic beverages of any strength may be sold in supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, and convenience stores 24 hours a day. Local municipalities may not restrict this. As a result, dedicated "liquor stores" are mostly specialty stores in larger cities, and some supermarkets have large selections of liquors and wines, and compete on the basis of liquor prices and selection. Alcohol can be consumed in the streets of New Orleans as long as it is in an "unbreakable container" (no glass) and taken from club-to-club if the establishment allows it. Otherwise it depends on the locality. Most parishes other than Orleans Parish do not permit alcoholic beverages served at on-premise establishments to be taken from the premises. However, many parishes and municipalities permit consumption of packaged beverages (for example, cans of beer) on the street. Glass bottles on the streets are prohibited. One can enter most bars at 18 years of age but must be 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol.
Maine	No		Yes	6 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Mon–Sat) 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Sun)		Yes		Yes	ABV > Alcohol may not be purchased after 1 a.m. any day of the week, may not be purchased prior to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and not prior to 9 a.m. on Sunday. Wholesaling through state-licensed monopoly.
Maryland Alcohol laws of Maryland Alcohol laws of Maryland are unique in that they vary considerably by county, due to the wide latitude of home rule granted to Maryland counties.-Underage possession and consumption:...	Variable by locality			Variable by locality	Variable by locality	Variable by locality			Baltimore County Baltimore County, Maryland Baltimore County is a county located in the northern part of the US state of Maryland. In 2010, its population was 805,029. It is part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Towson. The name of the county was derived from the barony of the Proprietor of the Maryland... prohibits the sale on Sunday in some areas. In the counties of Montgomery Montgomery County, Maryland Montgomery County is a county in the U.S. state of Maryland, situated just to the north of Washington, D.C., and southwest of the city of Baltimore. It is one of the most affluent counties in the United States, and has the highest percentage of residents over 25 years of age who hold post-graduate... , Somerset Somerset County, Maryland -2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:53.5% White42.3% Black0.3% Native American0.7% Asian0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander1.7% Two or more races1.5% Other races3.3% Hispanic or Latino -2000:... , Wicomico Wicomico County, Maryland As of the census of 2010, there were 98,733 people, 37,220 households, and 24,172 families residing in the county. The population density was 261.7 people per square mile . There were 41,192 housing units at an average density of 109.2 per square mile... , and Worcester Worcester County, Maryland -2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:82.0% White13.6% Black0.3% Native American1.1% Asian0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander1.7% Two or more races1.3% Other races3.2% Hispanic or Latino -2000:... sale of alcoholic beverages are controlled directly by the county Liquor Control Boards, there is exceptions in Montgomery where some liquors are still sold in grocery store due to being grandfathered before the change of the law. Garrett County prohibits the sale on Sunday except in some areas. The sale of alcohol at grocery and convenience stores varies by county. There are no dry counties, but some individual voting districts within counties restrict or prohibit alcohol on a local-option basis.
Massachusetts Alcohol laws of Massachusetts -Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission:The serving of alcohol in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is governed by the ABCC which is responsible for issuing licenses and permits for all manufacturers, wholesalers and importers, out-of-state suppliers, brokers, salesman, warehouses, planes, trains,...	No			8:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m. by state law, although individual cities and towns may prohibit sales before 11:00 a.m. and after 11:00 p.m. Not before 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.	8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., or 8:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m. on the day before a holiday. Not before noon on Sunday.	Yes.			No individual, partnership, or corporation may have more than three off-premises licences in the state, nor more than two in any city, nor more than one in any town. No individual, partnership, or corporation not resident or headquartered in Massachusetts may apply for a license, although one may devolve thereupon. On-premises regulations: No discounts at specific times (i.e. no "Happy Hour Happy hour Happy hour is a marketing term for a period of time in which a restaurant or bar offers discounts on alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and cocktails.-Basic information:... " discounts) or for specific individuals, no fixed-price open bar or all-you-can-drink (except at private functions), no more than two drinks per individual at any one time, no pitchers for fewer than two people, no drinking contests, no drinks as prizes, no free drinks. Off-premises sale of alcohol is prohibited on the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas if Christmas falls on a Sunday. Sale of alcohol is prohibited during polling hours on election days (subject to local exceptions). "Malt beverages" defined as having not more than 12% alcohol by. Alocohol can only be sold in liquor store, not at grocery or gas stations.
State	Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control states, generally called control states, are those in the United States that have state monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits....			Alcohol sale hours		Grocery Store Sales			Notes
State	Beer	Wine	Distilled spirits	On-premises	Off-premises	Beer	Wine	Distilled Spirits	Notes
Michigan	No		Yes	7 a.m.–2 a.m. (Mon-Sat) noon-2 a.m. (Sunday)*sales may begin at 7 a.m. with special license extension	7 a.m.-2 a.m. (Mon-Sat) noon-2 a.m. (Sunday)*sales may begin at 7 a.m. with special license extension ,	Yes			The Michigan Liquor Control Commission allows the sale of alcoholic beverages until 11:59 p.m. on December 24 and after 12:00 p.m. on December 25. On-premises sales are permitted on January 1 until 4:00 a.m. Local or county ordinance may restrict Sunday or Sunday morning sales. State does not operate retail outlets; maintains a monopoly over wholesaling of distilled spirits only.
Minnesota	No (but see note)			8 a.m.–2 a.m. 7 Days	8 a.m.–10p.m. (Mon–Sat)	3.2% Only	No		Local and/or County ordinance prevails for hours of operation for off-sale licenses. No alcohol off-sale on Sunday. Growler sales allowed until 10 p.m. Monday–Saturday. Certain municipalities may establish municipal liquor stores; they are permitted, but not required, to exclude privately owned stores.
Mississippi	No		Yes	Local authorities fix hours of alcohol sale		Yes	No		ABW > 5% wine and sparkling wine sold in state-contracted stores. Beer and light wine (ABW < 5%, ABV < ~6.3%) sold in convenience stores/supermarkets. Beer over 5% ABW prohibited. Beer and light wine (ABW < 5%) may be consumed by persons age 18-20 with parental supervision. No sales on Christmas Day. No state open container laws. Free alcohol all day and night in coastal casinos. In most counties, alcohol cannot be sold on Sundays. There are many dry counties in which it is illegal to possess alcoholic beverages, though some cities within dry counties have voted in beer sales.
Missouri Alcohol laws of Missouri The alcohol laws of Missouri are among the most permissive in the United States when compared to other U.S. states, though Nevada's and Louisiana's are similar...	No			Most establishments: (Mon–Sat) 6:00am–1:30am (Sunday) 9:00am–12:00am Special licenses in Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties... and St. Louis St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St... : (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 Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties... and St. Louis St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St... bars grandfathered Grandfather clause Grandfather clause is a legal term used to describe a situation in which an old rule continues to apply to some existing situations, while a new rule will apply to all future situations. It is often used as a verb: to grandfather means to grant such an exemption... into the ability to double as liquor stores.	Yes			One of the most alcohol-permissive states, perhaps only behind Nevada Nevada Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its... and Louisiana Louisiana Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties... : No open container law Open container law In the United States, open container laws prohibit the existence of open containers of alcohol in certain areas. Typically these laws concern public places, such as parks, and vehicles. Open container laws are state laws, rather than federal laws; thus they vary from state to state.-Open containers... . No state public intoxication Public intoxication Public intoxication, also known as "drunk and disorderly", is a summary offense in many countries rated to public cases or displays of drunkenness... law. Liquor control law covers all beverages containing more than 0.5% alcohol, without further particularities based on percentage. Cities and counties are prohibited from banning off-premises alcohol sales. No dry jurisdictions Dry county A dry county is a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages. Some prohibit off-premises sale, some prohibit on-premises sale, and some prohibit both. Hundreds of dry counties exist across the United States, almost all of them in the South... . State preemption of local alcohol laws which do not follow state law. Certain bars in Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties... and St. Louis St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St... grandfathered Grandfather clause Grandfather clause is a legal term used to describe a situation in which an old rule continues to apply to some existing situations, while a new rule will apply to all future situations. It is often used as a verb: to grandfather means to grant such an exemption... into the ability to double as liquor stores. Special licenses available for bars and nightclubs which allow selling alcohol until 3:00am in Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties... , Jackson County Jackson County, Missouri Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. With a population of 674,158 in the 2010 census, Jackson County is the second most populous of Missouri's counties, after St. Louis County. Kansas City, the state's most populous city and focus city of the Kansas City Metropolitan... , North Kansas City North Kansas City, Missouri North Kansas City is a city in Clay County, Missouri, United States and is an independent municipality that is a part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The population was 4,714 as of the 2000 census but a large business/industrial base swells the daytime population by thousands more... , St. Louis St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St... , and St. Louis County St. Louis County, Missouri St. Louis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. Its county seat is Clayton. St. Louis County is part of the St. Louis Metro Area wherein the independent City of St. Louis and its suburbs in St. Louis County, as well as the surrounding counties in both Missouri and Illinois all... . Grocery stores, drug stores, and even gas stations may sell liquor without limitation other than hours. Patrons allowed to take open containers out of bars in Kansas City's Power & Light District. Parents and guardians may furnish alcohol to their children. Missourians over 21 may manufacture up to 100 gallons of any liquor per year for personal use, without any further state limitation, state taxation, or state license. (Obtaining a permit from the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, statutorily named the Tax and Trade Bureau and frequently shortened to TTB, is a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury.... and meeting other requirements under federal law Law of the United States The law of the United States consists of many levels of codified and uncodified forms of law, of which the most important is the United States Constitution, the foundation of the federal government of the United States... probably still is required for private citizens to manufacture distilled alcohol - but not wine or beer - for personal use.) Missouri law recognizes two types of alcoholic beverage: liquor, which is any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol except "non-intoxicating beer"; and "non-intoxicating beer," which is beer containing between 0.5% and 3.2% alcohol. Liquor laws apply to all liquor, and special laws apply to "non-intoxicating beer."
Montana	No		Yes	Closing 2am		Yes		No	ABV > 16% wine sold in state-contracted stores, ABV < 16% may be sold in grocery stores.
Nebraska	No			6 a.m.–1 a.m. Legislation passed in 2010 allows for municipalities to extend on-premise sales to 2 a.m. with two-thirds approval of city or county councils.		Yes			No on- or off-premises sales of spirits before noon on Sundays. All beer, wine, and champagne 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.
Nevada	No			24 hours	24 hours	Yes			There are few restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Nevada except for age. State law also renders public intoxication Public intoxication Public intoxication, also known as "drunk and disorderly", is a summary offense in many countries rated to public cases or displays of drunkenness... legal, and explicitly prohibits any local or state law from making it a public offence.
New Hampshire	Yes			6 a.m.–1 a.m.	6 a.m.–11:45 p.m.	Yes		No	Liquor sold in state-run stores, many found at highway rest areas. 14% ABV cap on beer. State is wholesaler of wine. State taxes beer $0.30/gal at the wholesale level.
New Jersey Alcohol laws of New Jersey The alcohol laws of New Jersey are some of the most complex in the United States of America, and contain many peculiarities not found in other states. New Jersey law gives municipalities substantial discretion in creating alcohol laws, such that there are towns in New Jersey which are dry and...	No			Varies by municipality. Most municipalities have a last call of 2 a.m. Larger cities such as Newark, Hoboken, and Jersey City set their closing time at 3 a.m. Atlantic City and Brigantine serves 24 hours. Some dry towns in the southern part of the state, including Ocean City.	9 a.m.-10 p.m., unless bar/restaurant has license to permit Beer/Wine off-premises, then hours must be the same as on-premises hours	Rarely			Some dry communities in historically Methodist and Quaker communities in the southern part of the state. Though there is not a ban on selling alcoholic beverages at grocery stores, New Jersey limits each chain to two licenses, so except for a few exceptions, most supermarkets/convenience stores/gas stations/pharmacies do not sell alcoholic beverages. In addition, liquor sales are only permitted in a separate department or attached sister store. Bars are allowed to off-sale packaged goods. With the exception of Jersey City and Newark, all municipalities MUST allow off-sales of beer and wine at any time on-sales are permitted. However, since alcoholic beverages are generally only found in package stores, this right is rarely exercised. Alcoholic beverages by the drink as well as off-sales of beer and wine are permitted 24 hours a day in Atlantic City and Brigantine.
New Mexico	No			7 a.m.–2 a.m., except Sundays, for establishments with full dispenser license. 7 a.m.–11 p.m., except Sundays, for restaurants with beer and wine license.	7 a.m.–12 a.m. except Sundays	Yes			New Mexico issues two types of license for consumption on-premise: a full dispenser license allowing sale of all types of alcohol, or a restaurant license permitting sale of beer and wine only. 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, and a Sunday permit allowing of sale (on and/or off premise) until 2:00 a.m. January 1, if December 31 falls on a Sunday. Sunday permits are only available where approved by voters within a local option district. Selling, serving and giving alcohol to a minor is a class 4 felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison.
State	Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control states, generally called control states, are those in the United States that have state monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits....			Alcohol sale hours		Grocery Store Sales			Notes
State	Beer	Wine	Distilled spirits	On-premises	Off-premises	Beer	Wine	Distilled Spirits	Notes
New York Alcohol laws of New York The alcohol laws of New York are among the most lenient of any state in the Atlantic Northeast of the United States, but they remain considerably more restrictive than those of Louisiana, Missouri , Nevada, Illinois, New Mexico, and Arizona.-State Liquor Authority:The serving of alcohol in the...	No			8 am–4 am. Some counties have more restrictive hours.	Beer: Per state law, 24 hours/day. Wine & spirits: 9 am–midnight Mon–Sat, Noon–9 pm Sunday. Many counties have more restrictive hours, such as bans on beer sales overnight (hours vary).	Yes	No		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. Exchanges for returned items are permitted (at store owners' discretion). 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 Western New York Western New York is the westernmost region of the state of New York. It includes the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, the surrounding suburbs, as well as the outlying rural areas of the Great Lakes lowlands, the Genesee Valley, and the Southern Tier. Some historians, scholars and others... . All liquor stores must be owned by a single owner, who owns that store and lives within a certain distance of it — effectually banning chain liquor stores from the state. New York City law does not allow open containers of alcohol in public.
North Carolina	No		Yes	No sales between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday or between 2 a.m. and noon on Sunday		Yes		No	15% ABV cap on beer, No sale of alcoholic beverages between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 2 a.m. until noon on Sundays, State stores closed on Sundays. Bottled liquor must be sold in ABC Packages stores, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Effective December 1, 2010, the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Commission, no longer carries any product stronger than 151 proof, citing concerns from a single county that the majority of the 190 proof grain alcohol product was being purchased in package stores near college campuses.
North Dakota Alcohol laws of North Dakota The alcohol laws of North Dakota include the following provisions.A person must be 21 to purchase or consume alcohol.It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%.*Public Intoxication is not a crime....	No			12 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sundays 8 a.m. - 2 a.m. Mon-Sat	before 2.am. Thanksgiving Day	No			No off-sale on Thanksgiving Day. No Christmas Day on-sale, nor sales on Christmas Eve after 6 p.m.
Ohio	No		Yes	5:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.	5:30 a.m. - 1 a.m.	Yes, under 21% ABV			12% ABV cap on beer. 21% ABV cap on wine. 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. Normal proof spirits (>21% ABV) are sold only in a limited number of agent stores. Many retail outlets sell diluted spirits (diluted by water to 21% ABV) under a more readily obtained permit. 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. . Alcohol can be sold/given to people under the age of eighteen if given by a physician in the regular line of his practice or given for established religious purposes, or the underage person is accompanied by a parent, spouse who is not an underage person, or legal guardian.
Oklahoma Alcohol laws of Oklahoma The alcohol laws of Oklahoma comprehensively limit and regulate the sale of alcohol in Oklahoma. Much like its neighboring state of Kansas , Oklahoma's approach to alcohol is quite strict....	No			6 a.m. to 2 a.m.	10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Mon-Sat)	3.2 in grocery stores and gas stations all above 3.2% in Retail Package Stores	No		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. State law prohibits public intoxication, many counties and cities also prohibit public intoxication.
Oregon	No		Yes	7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.	7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.	Yes		No	Liquor, all of which is state-owned prior to sale to consumers, 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 Alcohol laws of Pennsylvania The alcohol laws of Pennsylvania are some of the most restrictive in the United States of America, and contain many peculiarities not found in other states.- For consumption off-premises :Pennsylvania is an alcoholic beverage control state...	No	Yes		Sunday sales at hotels and restaurants are permitted from 11:00am ET until 2:00am ET Monday only with a special annual permit and whose sales of food and non-alcoholic beverages are at least 30% of total sales. pacode.com Private clubs can serve alcohol from 7.00 a.m. till 3.00 a.m. Sales of alcohol have to stop at 3.00 a.m. http://pennsylvanialiquorlicense.com/typesoflicenses.asp#1	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	No			Wine and spirits can only be sold at State-operated stores. All persons must be at least 21 years of age to enter a state-operated liquor store alone. Beer is not sold at state-operated liquor stores. Beer can be purchased at beverage outlets (cases only), or restaurants (6-packs/restricted quantities) with Liquor Control Board Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is an independent government agency that manages the beverage alcohol industry in Pennsylvania. It is responsible for licensing the possession, sale, storage, transportation, importation, and manufacture of wine, spirits, and malt or brewed beverages in the... –issued licenses, but not supermarkets. Non-alcoholic beer is an exception, and may be sold in supermarkets, but persons buying it still must be at least 21 years of age. 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. In 2010, a trial was initiated to test selling wine in grocery stores using vending machines. The buyer must present identification, look into a camera to allow an offsite PLCB employee to verify the identification, and blow into a breathalyzer to authorize the sale. (See US Wine Vending Machines) This practice was ended in September 2011. (See State Pulls Plug On Wine Kiosk Program) As of 2007, some convenience stores and grocery stores were trying to fight Pennsylvania's strict laws on the sale of alcohol. (See Sheetz Weis Markets and Wegman's) Since 2009, beer sales have been approved in multiple Western Pennsylvania locations of the grocery chain Giant Eagle. Giant Eagle Beer In addition, wine kiosks have also recently become available at multiple Giant Eagle locations in the Pittsburgh area. Giant Eagle Wine Special permits may be purchased for certain organizations for fundraisers once per calendar year, and are valid for a total of six days under the same rules governing restaurants. PLCB FAQs Grain alcohol prohibited as a beverage.
Rhode Island	No			1 a.m. seven days a week. 2 a.m. in Providence only on Friday and Saturday nights and nights before a state-recognized holiday.	(Mon-Sat) 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Sunday) 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.	No			All alcohol may be sold only in liquor stores. Thus, convenience stores and supermarkets in Rhode Island are dry.
South Carolina Alcohol laws of South Carolina The alcohol laws of South Carolina are part of the states history. Voters endorsed prohibition in 1892 but instead were given the "Dispensary System" of state-owned liquor stores. Currently, certain counties may enforce time restrictions for beer and wine sales in stores, although there are no dry...	No		Yes	On-premise closing times are local option Local Option Local Option is a term used to describe the freedom whereby local political jurisdictions, typically counties or municipalities, can decide by popular vote certain controversial issues within their borders. In practice, it usually relates to the issue of alcoholic beverage sales... and are not set by the state.	24 hours for beer and low-alcohol wine, 9am-7pm Mon-Sat. at liquor stores	Yes		No	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, Richland County, Charleston County/city and Beaufort County. No sales on election days at liquor stores.
South Dakota	No					Yes			14% ABV cap on beer
State	Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control state Alcoholic beverage control states, generally called control states, are those in the United States that have state monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits....			Alcohol sale hours		Grocery Stores			Notes
State	Beer	Wine	Distilled spirits	On-premises	Off-premises	Beer	Wine	Distilled Spirits	Notes
Tennessee Alcohol laws of Tennessee The Alcohol laws of Tennessee are unique in that they vary considerably by county.Local government jurisdictions in Tennessee by default are dry and do not allow the sales of liquor or wine. These governments must amend the laws to allow for liquor-by-the-drink sales and retail package stores. In...	No			Mon-Sat: 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. Hours of alcohol sale can be modified by local jurisdictions if approved by the alcohol control commission.	7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Mon–Sat	Yes	No		Wine is only sold in liquor stores. Sales of liquor are limited to on-premises in restaurants on Sundays. Beer above 5% ABW / 6.3% ABV must be sold in liquor stores. Open container law only applies to drivers, not passengers.
Texas	No			Monday-Friday: 7am-midnight Saturday: 7am-1am Sunday: 10am-midnight. Some cities/counties permit sale until 2am (with license).	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.)	Yes		No	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. 29 Texas counties are completely dry. In many counties, public intoxication Public intoxication Public intoxication, also known as "drunk and disorderly", is a summary offense in many countries rated to public cases or displays of drunkenness... laws are vigorously upheld.
Utah Alcohol laws of Utah The alcohol laws of Utah regulate the selling and purchasing of alcohol in the United States state of Utah. A person must be 21 years old to buy or consume alcohol. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1935, two years after the end...	Yes			Restaurants: Noon to midnight for liquor, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for beer. Bars may serve liquor from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.	Varies by state liquor store hours	4.0% (3.2% by weight) or below only	No		ABV > 4.0+% sold in state-controlled stores only. State-controlled stores close on Sundays and cease operations no later than 10 p.m. the rest of the week. Restaurants must buy from the state-controlled store (no delivery) at retail prices. No alcohol may be served on Election Day until 8 p.m. No alcohol is served in restaurants without purchase of food. A ban on 4.0% or below beer available on tap was repealed in March 2009. Sales of kegs prohibited.
Vermont	No		Yes	8 a.m.–2 a.m.	6 a.m.–midnight	Yes		No	ABV > 16% beer and ABV > 16% wine are only available through state liquor stores. A 2008 bill allows the sale of beer in grocery and convenience stores up to ABV 16%.
Virginia	No		Yes	6 a.m.–2 a.m. No restrictions at any time for club licensees.	6 a.m.–11:59 p.m.	Yes		No	Licensed supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations may sell beer and wine. Off-premises sales no later than 12 a.m. Numerous dry counties exist.
Washington	No		Yes (No after June 2012)	6 a.m.–2 a.m. A local government subdivision may fix later opening hours or earlier closing hours than those here specified		Yes		No (Yes after June 2012)	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. All state-owned stores are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Thurs and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fri-Sat. Contract stores may still set their own hours, but liquor sales may not be rung up before 8 a.m. and may not be rung up after 11 p.m. A handful of state and contract stores are open Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. State stores are open on most federal holidays, excluding New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Contract stores have the option to remain open on any holiday at the discretion of the store manager. Currently set to transition to a non-control state by June 2012.
West Virginia Alcohol laws of West Virginia Alcohol laws of West Virginia are more complex on paper than in actual practice, owing to a provision of the state constitution and euphemistic "work-arounds" of its terms.- Constitution :...	No		Yes	Beer/Wine: Mon-Sat:7 am-2 am, Sun:1 pm-2 am -- Liquor: Mon-Sun:8 am-Midnight, Sun/Elections: Prohibited	Mon-Fri:7 am-3:30 am, Sat: 7A-3:00A, Sun:1 pm-3 am	Yes		Yes	12% ABV Cap on Beer. 75% ABV spirits Permitted. Liquor, wine and beer products that are not already in closed packaging must be bagged before exiting retail locations. State does not operate retail stores; retains monopoly over wholesaling of distilled spirits only; stores themselves are privately owned
Wisconsin Alcohol laws of Wisconsin The Alcohol laws of Wisconsin are neither as restrictive as Utah nor as permissive as Missouri, and have their own unique features.-Retail sale of alcohol:...	No			6 a.m-2 a.m. Sunday–Thursday, 2:30 a.m. Friday–Saturday, no closing time on New Year's Day.	8 a.m.–12 midnight for beer (some counties and municipalities only allow sales until 9 p.m. for beer), 8 a.m.–9 p.m. for liquor and wine	By local ordinance			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: La Crosse, Maple Bluff (near Madison), Baraboo (near the Dells). Supermarkets, liquor stores, and gas stations may sell liquor, wine, and beer.
Wyoming	No	Yes		6.00 a.m.-2.00 a.m.		No			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
Puerto Rico	No					Beer, wine and spirits available for sale in supermarkets, convenience stores and drugs stores as well as liquor stores.			Minimum drinking age is 18. Dry law during elections and tropical storm Tropical cyclone A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor... emergencies Drinking on the street is illegal in San Juan San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of... but not in all cities. Determined by municipal ordinance. In San Juan, the only times of the year one can drink on the street legally are during selected street festivals in designated areas.

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