Alcoholic beverages are synonymous with celebrations, events, intimate gatherings, and holiday celebrations as well. But this long-held association with a celebration can sometimes present challenges on holidays for a variety of different reasons. Some states or counties may prohibit sales of alcohol on certain holidays, if a holiday falls on a Sunday can also present challenges, but generally speaking, are liquor stores open on particular holidays?
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Is the Liquor Store Open Today? Know Before You Go!
In the United States, individual state laws govern the availability of liquor and package stores on certain public holidays. There could be specific reasons for liquor store closings on holidays or liquor stores may decide to close on a holiday to observe the day like others in the community taking off from work.
Since the opening and closing of liquor laws is controlled by individual state laws, in this guide, we will focus on presenting some information concerning liquor store availability on certain holidays. We will offer some examples from across the country to better help you figure out what the general consensus on liquor stores and holidays is. Read on to find out more about liquor store openings and closings on a variety of different holidays.
Liquor Stores and Holidays
In the earliest days of America, back during British Colonial times in the 17th and 18th centuries, the use of alcohol on holidays such as Christmas was tightly regulated. Of course, this didn’t stop many colonial farms from brewing their own private stash of alcohol on days when liquor was prohibited.
When the United States was formed in 1776, slowly but surely throughout U.S. history, individual states became the sole arbiters of where, for when, and how often alcoholic beverages could be purchased and by whom.
The Prohibition Era in the 1920s and early 1930s gave rise to stringent alcohol purchasing laws once prohibition ended, and many of these various laws remain in place to this day.
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer on if liquor stores will be open on a public holiday. A good point to keep in mind is if a certain liquor store is run by the state or federal government, or if the liquor store is privately owned and operated.
Let’s take a look at these specifics by specific holidays.
Are Liquor Stores Open On New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day is the first federal and public holiday of the year. This particular holiday, due in large part to New Year’s Eve celebrations, is the most popular holiday when it comes to alcoholic beverages as well.
Typically, all federal and state-controlled liquor and package stores will be closed on New Year’s Day. But there are many examples of various states prohibiting liquor sales on this holiday.
For example, if you are in a state that has Sunday blue laws, and New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, you will need to stock up on New Year’s Eve if you wish to drink on New Year’s Day.
California and Colorado have no state bans on liquor sales on New Year’s Day. Always check your state’s particular laws.
Thankfully for most, New Year’s Day is a day where we do not even want to look at alcoholic beverages thanks to late-night celebrations on New Year’s Eve.
Are Liquor Stores Open On New Year’s Eve?
Unlike January 1, New Year’s Eve is entirely different when it comes to liquor store availability. This is by far the busiest day of the year for alcohol sales and nearly every jurisdiction in the country where prohibition will be open to take advantage of this business boom.
Always consult liquor store laws in your particular jurisdiction, and also keep in mind that many liquor stores will likely close early on New Year’s Eve for store employees to take advantage of the festivities.
In most places, liquor stores will typically close around 9 or 10 PM on New Year’s Eve. If you want to drink on New Year’s Day, go ahead and stock up on liquor at that time.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Valentine’s Day?
Like Halloween, Valentine’s Day is an incredibly popular holiday, but closings are not enforced or suggested according to federal and local laws. Valentine’s Day is just another business day in this regard, and most retailers, including liquor stores, want to take advantage of the business boom.
Couples typically spend large amounts of money across the country on wine and spirits to celebrate romantic dinners, intimate moments, etc. This holiday is very lucrative for florists, candy retailers, and liquor stores.
You can expect liquor stores to be open and in normal operating procedures on this holiday. Unless Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, which means many liquor stores will likely be closed. So be sure to visit a liquor store the day before.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Easter?
Easter Sunday, much like Christmas, is a religious holiday. Unlike Christmas Day, Easter is always celebrated on a Sunday.
Therefore, there are two aspects of Easter that may cause problems when trying to visit a liquor store on this day. Some jurisdictions may have laws where no alcohol at all can be sold on this holiday.
But even more likely is that Sunday Blue laws across the country are what will prohibit liquor store availability on this day. Additionally, many liquor stores like to close on Sundays altogether.
Your best bet would be to try and find local privately-owned liquor stores that may be open on Sundays and granted, these stores still have to observe the sell times established by a Sunday blue law.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras in the United States is celebrated in a few different places, but New Orleans, Louisiana is by far the biggest and most well-known Mardi Gras destination. Additionally, Mardi Gras is typically a 2-3 weeks long celebration, with a day known as Fat Tuesday being the culmination of the festivities, and Mardi Gras Day essentially.
Alcoholic beverages and liquor sales are big business during Mardi Gras celebrations, and on Fat Tuesday for example, seeing as how this day falls on a weekday, liquor stores will most certainly be open and operating.
Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Orleans in particular has prohibited and severely limited liquor store sales during Mardi Gras. It is unclear if these rules will apply to the Mardi Gras Season in early 2022.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Christmas?
Federally-controlled liquor and package stores will be closed on Christmas Day. Apart from this certainty, Christmas Day and liquor store availability get a bit more complex.
Most states also have this law in place, and the main reason for this is the ubiquity of Christmas Day being a long-held standard holiday for the workforce, regardless of belief.
Some localities may also prefer to close liquor stores on this day based on religious belief, and again, if Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, state and local blue laws will also affect liquor store availability.
With this in mind, there are some restaurants that may choose to remain open on Christmas Day, and may even serve alcohol as well, as well as convenience stores options. But it’s best to plan ahead for this holiday since normal business operations almost always come to a halt on Christmas.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Christmas Eve?
Most liquor stores will be open on Christmas Eve as a matter of convenience for gathering families, couples, friends, etc.
A few things to keep in mind are the popularly held early closings that occur on Christmas Eve. Check with your local liquor stores to see what time they will be closing on this day.
Also be aware that if Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, any local Sunday blue laws that may be in effect.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Labor Day?
Labor Day occurs on the first Monday of September and signifies the unofficial end of the summer season. This holiday is a federal holiday, meaning that federal and many state and local offices will be closed.
For liquor stores operating under the federal government, expect these liquor stores to be closed on Labor Day. Apart from that, it really becomes an area-specific mandate.
Since this holiday is on a weekday, many liquor stores, especially privately owned and operated liquor stores will most likely be open and operating normally. But always check before you make the drive.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Memorial Day?
Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday of May and is a day to observe the military service members that have fallen over the years, as well as a popular holiday to signify the unofficial start of the summer season.
Memorial Day Weekend is big business for retail, with liquor stores also seeing a high volume of customers over the three-day weekend.
Like Labor Day, Memorial Day falls on a Monday, and this holiday is a federal holiday. Federal liquor stores will be closed, and most state and locally-controlled package stores will likely also follow suit.
Look for a privately owned and operated liquor store on this day, and chances are, there will be some options available depending on where you live.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day is a major federal holiday in the United States, but as the years go by, it seems that more and more retailers have become accustomed to operating on this holiday.
Federal ABC stores are closed on Thanksgiving, and when it comes to state-controlled liquor stores, most of these liquor stores are also closed, but some states, such as California, Colorado, and Illinois, do not mandate that state-run liquor stores close.
Ultimately, it all depends on the laws within your state. Additionally, even privately owned and operated liquor stores may decide to close on Thanksgiving. Call around and see if any liquor stores are open or, make sure you visit the liquor store on Thanksgiving Eve beforehand.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Thanksgiving Eve?
Thanksgiving Eve is known for being a busy and last-minute shopping pre-holiday event. Like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, liquor stores are aware of this and will be open to allow gatherers to make their purchases.
Thanksgiving Eve will always fall on a Wednesday, so there are no state and local blue laws to worry about. But many liquor stores may decide to close early on the eve of Thanksgiving, so be sure to call ahead early in the day to know exactly how much time you have to stop by and make your purchases..
Are Liquor Stores Open On Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day is a popular holiday, but this is one of those holidays that do not feature mass closings and suspension of operations.
But, Mother’s Day always falls on the second Sunday in the month of May. This means that local and state blue laws will be in effect, therefore, the time to visit a liquor store on Mother’s Day will be reduced or not open at all depending on a jurisdiction’s specific Sunday blue law.
To avoid issues, plan for any liquor store purchase the day before.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Father’s Day?
Father’s Day occurs on the third Sunday in June. This holiday is exactly like Mother’s Day, and any limit on being able to visit a liquor store revolves around what the specific Sunday blue laws are for the jurisdiction you are in.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Independence Day?
The Fourth of July is a federal holiday, so you can expect ABC stores to be closed on this holiday. State and local laws may also be in place when it comes to liquor store availability on this public holiday, so be sure to check your local rules and regulations.
If Independence Day falls on a Sunday, there are of course Sunday blue laws to be aware of in your jurisdiction. Many states and local governments may also reduce liquor availability on this holiday due to large statistics related to drunk driving to and from fireworks exhibits or celebrations.
The good news is that Independence Day celebrations always tend to center around beer, so it should be a lot easier if beer is all you need to get for your celebrations.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Flag Day?
Flag Day is celebrated in the United States every year on June 14. Although this is technically a holiday, it is not a federal holiday or one that sees wide closures of businesses.
The only thing to keep in mind when it comes to Flag Day is if the holiday falls on a Sunday. If so, you will need to take into account your local jurisdiction’s Sunday blue laws.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a United States federal holiday that occurs every year on November 11 to celebrate the veterans of armed conflicts throughout history.
Unless this holiday falls on a Sunday, all ABC stores are typically open on Veterans Day, but it really depends on what the laws of each state have mandated. Most ABC stores only close on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day, but not all states operate on this standard.
Be sure to keep Sunday blue laws in mind as well since Veteran’s Day is not a day of the week type of holiday.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Presidents Day?
President’s Day, also known as Washington’s Birthday is a federal holiday that occurs on the third Monday of February every year.
Although a federal holiday, President’s Day is a holiday that typically sees a mix of closures or unaffected business operations. You can expect most ABC stores to be in operation on this holiday, and privately owned and operated liquor stores will more than likely also be open and operating normally.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that occurs on the third Monday of January each year to celebrate the life and work of the Civil Rights hero.
All federal and state employees will almost always have the day off work. But you can expect liquor stores to be open and operating normally on this holiday with the exception being federally operated liquor stores.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration for African-Americans in addition to a celebration observed in many parts of continental Africa. The celebration occurs each year from December 26-January 1.
There are no mandated or suggested closures for Kwanzaa, and since this is a multi-day celebration, there are no specific days that typically see closures with Kwanzaa.
Liquor stores are open and operating normally during the celebration, and the only thing to keep in mind is any Sunday blue laws in your area.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is not a federal holiday and is celebrated as an observance, which means there are typically no closures attached to this holiday. Ash Wednesday always occurs 46 days before Easter Sunday, which places it on a Wednesday.
Liquor store closures are not usually seen with this holiday.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday and observance that occurs the Sunday before Easter Sunday and is the official beginning of the Christian Holy Week.
This is not a federal holiday, and any liquor store closures or limitations would come from the observance always falling on a Sunday. Be sure to check if your local jurisdiction has any Sunday blue laws.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Good Friday?
Good Friday is the first day of what begins the three-day observance of Easter Weekend within the Christian faith. This is not a federal holiday, and within the United States, business closures are not a common occurrence.
You should have no issues visiting a liquor store on Good Friday. It occurs on a weekday, and any closures would not be in line with the multi-faith society that we live in.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Arbor Day?
Every holiday is worth investigating when it comes to liquor stores closures, but Arbor Day is an observance aimed towards conservation and the celebration of tree planting that typically occurs on the last Friday in April.
There are no holiday-specific closures when it comes to Arbor Day and liquor store availability.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Patriot’s Day?
Patriot’s Day is not a federal holiday, but in the states of Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin, the third Monday in April is Patriot’s Day and the holiday is observed as a state holiday with closures.
Even though these states observe this as a public holiday, this does not usually affect liquor store closures, but some may choose to close if they like or operate on reduced hours, so it’s worth checking before and planning ahead if you live in one of these three states.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, named as such because the holiday falls on June 19 every year, is the newest federal holiday in the United States as a celebration of both African-American culture as well as observance of the issuance of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.
Federal and state employees will have the day off work, which means that ABC stores could be closed depending on if a particular state requires this mandate. Be sure to check your state and local regulations regarding liquor store availability on this holiday.
Privately-owned liquor stores may choose to operate on Juneteenth, therefore it’s a holiday that requires some checking, but is not a wide-scale closure of nearly all businesses.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is always the second Monday in October, and although many people sometimes forget, this is a federal holiday with closures.
The good news is that liquor stores are almost always open and operating normally on Columbus Day since it falls on a weekday.
But still, it’s worth checking to see if liquor stores are open and operating, but chances are, even if some are closed, you can always find a privately run liquor store open for business.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Indigenous Peoples Day?
Indigenous People’s Day is an observance and celebration of Native American culture that is recognized as a replacement for Columbus Day in the United States in various states and localities.
When it comes to liquor stores and availability, the same details are in place regarding Columbus Day. It really depends on states and local governments and individual owners of privately operated liquor stores on whether they want to close for business or not.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Diwali?
Diwali is a five-day-long Festival of Lights celebration observed within Hindu, Sikh, and Jain cultures across the world and including the United States.
This celebration changes annually, but almost always occurs sometime during the months of October and November.
When it comes to liquor store closures, Diwali is both an observance and celebration, which means that business closures are not widely seen. If a Sunday occurs during Diwali, it is worth remembering a local region’s Sunday blue laws for liquor store purchases.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Passover?
Like Palm Sunday and Good Friday, Passover is an observance and celebration pertaining to religious observances, with this being an 8-day long Jewish observance typically in the month of April.
There are no mandated closures for liquor stores to be aware of. Some privately-run liquor stores may decide to close, but this is not always the case.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is a religious observance within the Jewish faith that occurs each year on the 10th day of Tishrei, from the early evening hours until the next day around the same time. Yom Kippur typically falls within the month of September.
As a religious observance, liquor store closures are not widely seen. Privately-run liquor stores may decide to close if the owners are Jewish, but this is not mandated or widely practiced.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Election Day?
Election Day in the United States is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November each year. This is not a holiday at the federal level, but there are many states that observe Election Day as a public holiday with closures.
Even with states that observe Election Day as a public holiday, this almost never affects liquor store availability. If you are passionate about politics, chances are, you may need to stop by a liquor store as the results come in, and liquor stores are aware of this popularity.
Are Liquor Stores Open On St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is a popular holiday, even though it is not a federal holiday and does not typically feature mass business closures.
Alcoholic beverages are popular on St. Patrick’s Day, and you will likely find liquor stores operating normally on this day.
Since this holiday always falls on March 17, be aware of local Sunday blue laws when the holiday falls on a Sunday.
Are Liquor Stores Open On Cinco De Mayo?
Cinco De Mayo is a popular holiday in Mexico and for Mexican-Americans that is celebrated every year on May 5 in observance of Mexico’s battle victory against the French Empire in 1862.
Liquor and alcoholic beverages are popular on this holiday, and unless the holiday falls on a Sunday where Sunday blue laws can affect liquor store availability, liquor stores will certainly be open to take advantage of the business boom.
