Can you buy beer on Thanksgiving?
As the holiday season approaches, many people have questions about what they can and can’t do to celebrate. One common concern is whether it’s possible to buy beer on Thanksgiving. In this article, we’ll explore the laws and regulations surrounding beer purchases on Thanksgiving Day.
Direct Answer:
The short answer is yes, you can buy beer on Thanksgiving. However, availability and hours may vary depending on your location. In the United States, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, but many retail stores, including liquor stores and supermarkets, remain open on this day. Hours may be limited, so it’s essential to call ahead or check the store’s website to confirm operating hours.
Policies Vary by Region and State
While it’s legal to buy beer on Thanksgiving in most states, there are some exceptions. Certain states have laws that affect the sale of alcohol on holidays, including Thanksgiving.
- Some states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving Day.
- Other states: In 36 states, including Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, it is legal to buy beer and other forms of alcohol on Thanksgiving.
**What About Government Liquor Stores?**
Government-run liquor stores in some states may have altered hours or be closed on Thanksgiving Day. For instance:
* In Virginia, state-run liquor stores are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
* In New York, state-owned liquor stores are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day, but hours may vary based on location.
* In California, state stores are open on Thanksgiving with regular hours.
Data from Major Retailers and Chains
To give you a better idea of what to expect, we’ve compiled information from major retailers and liquor store chains:
| Chain/Store | Thanksgiving Day Hours |
|---|---|
| Total Wine | Varies by location, but most stores will be open with regular or extended hours |
| ABC Fine Wine & Spirits (Florida) | Open for regular hours, with special deals and promotions |
| BevMo! | Open for regular hours with special deals and discounts |
| Costco | Open, but hours may vary based on location |
| Lowe’s | Open for normal hours, with some holiday hours for certain locations |
Please note that these chains and stores may have local variations, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the store’s website to confirm hours.
Liquor Stores and Privately-Owned Businesses
Privately-owned liquor stores and businesses generally follow their regular hours and may have extended hours depending on the location and event. Some may even offer special deals and promotions during the holiday season.
In summary, while some regions and states have laws preventing the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving, many retail stores and liquor stores remain open on this day. Keep in mind that hours and availability may vary, and it’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm.