Why Don’t Grocery Stores Sell Liquor? – Know More

Why don’t grocery stores offer alcohol? You might wonder if you appreciate alcoholic drinks but find it hard to get them from a store that only sells them. Many states permit the purchase of wine and/or beer in grocery stores. However, several states prohibit the sale of alcohol in supermarkets. Let us know ‘Why Don’t Grocery Stores Sell Liquor?’.

Why Dont Grocery Stores Sell Liquor?

Even in those states where it is legal to purchase alcohol on Sundays, you cannot do so before noon. For instance, you cannot buy alcohol until noon in Nebraska. However, there are no time limitations on the selling of alcohol in Florida, and you can only buy it from liquor stores. 

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Why don’t grocery stores offer liquor? 

States were given the authority to control their alcohol sales following the nullification of prohibition in 1933. But it led to a great deal of variation in laws from state to state. However, alcohol is sold at grocery shops in several US states. However, each county in the state is allowed to enact its regulations governing the sale of alcohol. 

However, there is much more to learn than that! 

Additionally, several states place restrictions on the number of liquor licenses that chains of stores can get, meaning that not all of their locations can serve alcohol. Everything becomes perplexing and frustrating. 

But don’t be alarmed! Read on to ensure that you are properly informed regarding the selling of alcohol in various states.

States that forbid the sale of alcohol in supermarkets

In Alaska, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, grocery stores are not allowed to sell alcohol. 

There are no Sunday restrictions in Alaska or Delaware, however, only liquor stores are allowed to sell alcohol. Beer, wine, and liquor all fall under this category. 

If you’re under 21 years old in Alaska, you aren’t even allowed to enter a licensed establishment unless you’re with an adult parent, guardian, or spouse. 

In Alaska, where there is one bar for every 60 people, alcoholism is rife. They consequently have a very high rate of crime and violence that is related to drinking. So it comes as no surprise that Alaska maintains such strict regulations on the sale of alcohol. They’ve even been known to detain intoxicated bargoers. 

Even though not all Pennsylvanian grocery stores sell liquor some gas stations do sell beer. Additionally, you can buy up to two six-packs of alcohol from nearby taverns. 

But over time, the rules have begun to relax a little bit, and some grocery stores have begun selling alcohol. The supermarkets that are permitted to sell alcohol must do so through a different register.

States that permit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores

The following states DO permit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores: 

Wisconsin, Arizona, Louisiana, Illinois, Nevada, Indiana, Nebraska, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Michigan, South Dakota, Missouri, Washington, New Mexico, Wyoming, California, and North Dakotas. 

If the facility also sells motor fuel, California law prohibits alcohol from being displayed within five feet of the cash register. 

Grocery stores may sell alcohol in Louisiana. However, specific towns, cities, and villages may forbid it. Hard liquor sales are prohibited in grocery stores and other places other than liquor stores in Shreveport. The sale of hard liquor in grocery stores is permitted in Bossier City. It is permitted in rural Caddo Parish as well.

The legality of selling alcohol in grocery stores varies by state.

Conclusion 

It might be quite difficult to buy alcohol, especially liquor, while you’re moving from one state to another. States are responsible for enforcing laws, and many of them delegate this duty to their counties and cities. 

You have learned about a few of the restrictions and which states permit the selling of alcohol in grocery shops. You have also learned about the states that forbid the selling of alcohol in grocery stores. 

Even though this is a rather comprehensive overview, you should still research the local legislation. This is especially true if you are traveling to a state where the laws in each county vary.

Frequently Asked Questions 

In Maryland, is it possible to buy alcohol at the grocery store? 

Only a few states, like Maryland, forbid the purchase of beer and wine at grocery stores.

Are there liquor stores in Virginia? 

Virginia was established by the General Assembly and given sole authority over the direct sale of alcohol to consumers. Beer and wine can be lawfully bought from practically any grocery shop or gas station.

In the US, can grocery stores sell alcohol? 

States were given the authority to control their alcohol sales following the repeal of prohibition in 1933. But it led to a great deal of variation in laws from state to state. However, alcohol is sold at grocery shops in several US states. However, each county in the state is allowed to enact its regulations governing the sale of alcohol.

Why Don’t Grocery Stores Sell Liquor? – Know More

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