Is the liquor store open on Memorial Day 2023?
Memorial Day, a holiday observed in the United States, is a time for honoring the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It is also a long weekend that many people use for relaxation, picnics, and other outdoor activities. If you plan on indulging in a drink or two, here’s what you need to know about shopping for liquor on Memorial Day.
Are liquor stores open on Memorial Day 2023?
In most cases, the answer is yes. But even in a free society, there are some limitations, and in one state, the answer is a surprising, outright “no.”
For your Memorial Day last-minute alcohol purchase decisions, here is a useful state-by-state chart.
| State | Alcohol? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Prohibited between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. in some counties. |
| Alaska | Yes | |
| Arizona | Yes | |
| Arkansas | Yes | Except between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. |
| California | Yes | |
| Colorado | Yes | |
| Connecticut | Yes | |
| Delaware | Yes | |
| District of Columbia | Yes | |
| Florida | Yes | Prohibited between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. |
| Georgia | Yes | |
| Hawaii | Yes | |
| Idaho | Closed | |
| Illinois | Yes | |
| Indiana | Yes | |
| Iowa | Yes | |
| Kansas | Yes | Kansas alcohol laws are quite complicated. |
| Kentucky | Yes | All alcohol sales and possession are prohibited in approximately 39 dry counties in the state. |
| Louisiana | Yes | Duh. |
| Maine | Yes | |
| Maryland | Yes | Varies by locality. |
| Massachusetts | No | |
| Michigan | Yes | |
| Minnesota | Yes | |
| Mississippi | Yes | Local authorities determine hours of the sale. |
| Missouri | Yes | |
| Montana | Closed | |
| Nebraska | Yes | |
| Nevada | Yes | 24 hours a day! |
| New Hampshire | Yes | |
| New Jersey | Yes | |
| New Mexico | Yes | |
| New York | Yes | New York has 8 dry towns and 37 partially dry towns, which is disconcerting. |
| North Carolina | Yes | |
| North Dakota | Yes | |
| Ohio | Yes | Some counties restrict hours of off-premises sales. |
| Oklahoma | Some | Liquor sales are illegal; low-point beer (3.2% ABV or less) for consumption off-premises is permissible except between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. |
| Oregon | Yes | Some state-owned liquor stores closed on Memorial Day. |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | |
| Rhode Island | Yes | |
| South Carolina | Yes | Off-premises beer and low-alcohol wine are sold 24 hours. |
| South Dakota | Yes | |
| Tennessee | Yes | Beer sales off-premises vary by municipality. |
| Texas | Yes | |
| Utah | Closed | |
| Vermont | Yes | |
| Virginia | Yes | |
| Washington | Yes | |
| West Virginia | Yes | |
| Wisconsin | Yes | |
| Wyoming | Yes |
Shop Early or Late
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider shopping for liquor either early in the morning or later in the evening on Memorial Day. This way, you can take your time selecting the perfect bottle and get in and out of the store quickly. If you prefer shopping during the day, be prepared for longer wait times and busy stores.
In conclusion, Memorial Day is a time for remembrance and celebration, and for many, a time for enjoying a drink. Whether you’re looking for specific brands or want to take advantage of Memorial Day sales, remember to check with your local liquor store for their hours and be sure to shop early or late to avoid the crowds.
