No matter how often I ventured around New York’s towering skyscrapers and bustling neighborhoods, the Big Apple has never failed to amaze and intrigue me at every turn.
With all the endless stories yet to unfold, I’m here to focus on one important thing for my fellow beer enthusiasts. What time can you buy beer in New York?
Let me guide you on the best days and hours to have a good time in this vibrant state.
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When Can You Buy Beer In New York State?
You can usually buy beer in New York from 8 in the morning until 4 in the morning, Monday through Saturday. However, the usual beer-selling hours on Sunday are 10 a.m. until 4 a.m.
“For art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity or perception to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable: intoxication.” – Friedrich Nietzsche, Philosopher and Cultural Critic
The one responsible for issuing liquor licenses and permits to businesses that wish to legally serve alcohol in their establishments is the New York State Liquor Authority.
It violates the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to sell alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and distilled spirits to someone below the legal drinking age [1]. Consuming alcohol in public or inside a motor vehicle is also illegal based on liquor laws.
Understanding New York’s Beer Laws
Bars & Taverns
Weekdays: It is easy to buy beer on weekdays in New York. The only time anyone is prohibited from buying beer in bars and taverns is between 4 and 8 in the morning.
And since it’s already around dawn and I’ve had my fill for the night, I barely notice when bars stop serving alcohol.
Sundays: Currently, New York allows bars and restaurants to sell beer from 10 in the morning on Sundays [2]. But these establishments close around 4 a.m., so you can still enjoy the nightlife without worries.
Christmas Day: A bar’s closing hours may vary on Christmas Eve. Bar and restaurant owners may choose not to open for business, although they may sell alcohol like any typical day.
Liquor & Wine Stores
Weekdays: Liquor stores can sell spirits beginning at 8 in the morning until midnight Monday through Saturday. But we’ve noticed some liquor and wine stores close around nine at night so that the alcohol sales may stop earlier, depending on the local alcohol regulations.
Beer and wine sales are also available here, so if you plan to drink alcoholic beverages off-premises, you must plan your visits here before midnight.
Sundays: Sunday sales offer a slightly different timeline. If you have plans to drink alcohol, it’s better to stack up your beer supplies on Saturdays.
According to state law, liquor and wine stores can sell beer from noon until 9:00 p.m.
Christmas Day: New York liquor stores sell alcohol on Christmas like any typical day, depending on their liquor license. Some wine and liquor store owners I know chose to skip selling alcohol on Christmas, while others would not open before noon.
Related Posts:
- Washington State Beer Buying Time
- Florida State Beer Buying Time
- Georgia State Beer Buying Time
- South Carolina State Beer Buying Time
Convenience & Grocery Stores
Weekdays: A grocery and convenience store is the ultimate destination to stack up on your favorite brews. If you are in counties like Rensselaer, Schenectady, Greene, Montgomery, and Albany, beer sales hours are allowed for 24 hours.
Sundays: Sunday sales hours in these stores may start at 8 in the morning but with varying closing times of not later than 3 a.m.
Christmas Day: Convenience and grocery stores sell beer for off-premise consumption with the same schedule as a normal day. But if the holiday falls on a Sunday, the time you can purchase alcohol is shorter.
Beer Sale Hours
Off-Premise Consumption
Off-premises alcohol sales in New York from Monday through Saturday are more flexible than on-premise alcohol consumption. So, you never need to worry if you have to prepare for some unexpected gatherings or your beer supply suddenly runs out.
“Having a cold beer in New York is like taking a sip of the city’s vibrant energy.” – Liquor Laboratory
A grocery, convenience, or retail store can sell alcohol in some counties anytime, letting you take home your favorite brews without any time restriction.
However, it may not always work on Sundays because the sales only start at 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Mondays. Drug stores can also sell liquor, wine, and beer with the same schedule.
But do you know what time Quiktrip starts selling beer?
On-Premise Consumption
But when you’re in New York, it’s really hard to miss out on its fun and fuzzing nightlife, right? Some hard liquor may cause you to get drunk immediately, so having a beer or low-proof wine is my ultimate choice whenever I visit there.
Places such as bars and taverns offer a wide window of enjoyment. They offer on-premises sales of alcohol to patrons from 8 in the morning until 4 the next day.
It perfectly reflects and aligns with the vibrant spirit of New York’s nightlife. But on Sundays, these establishments may start a little later at 10 a.m.
FAQs Related to What Time Can You Buy Beer in New York?
How late can you buy beer in New York?
You can buy beer 24 hours a day in grocery and convenience stores in New York counties like Albany, Greene, and Rensselaer.
However, in bars, restaurants, and taverns, the latest you can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption is at 4 a.m. Wine and liquor stores for off-premise consumption close before midnight.
Can you buy beer in the morning in New York State?
Yes, you can buy beer early in the morning in New York State. The earliest bars, restaurants, convenience, and grocery stores open in New York is at eight in the morning.
But some stores operate for 24 hours, so you can basically buy any time of the day in some counties in New York.
Can you buy beer in supermarkets in NY?
Yes, you can buy beer in New York supermarkets. Some supermarkets can also sell beer 24 hours a day, but their alcohol selling time may be limited on Sundays.
Are there any restrictions on the days of the week for buying beer in New York?
Beer sales are permitted every day of the week in New York. However, on Sundays, beer sales begin later in the day compared to other days.
Can you buy beer from bars or restaurants at any time in New York?
Yes, bars and restaurants in New York can sell beer for on-premises consumption during their regular operating hours, which may vary depending on local regulations.
Are there any age restrictions for purchasing beer in New York?
Yes, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase beer in New York. Proper identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, is typically required to verify age.
Are there penalties for violating beer sales laws in New York?
Yes, violating beer sales laws in New York can result in penalties for both the seller and the purchaser. These penalties may include fines, legal repercussions, or loss of alcohol sales privileges.
In Summary
Knowing the beer sales hours is just the first thing you have to know when visiting another state. Other alcohol laws of each state can be more complicated, like drunken driving or alcohol abuse.
A DUI conviction in New York is complicated because the charges may vary depending on the alcohol level or substance you have taken. DWAI (Driving With Ability Impaired) is for drivers with a BAC level of 0.05 to 0.07.
Meanwhile, drivers can be charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) if they have a BAC level of 0.08 or higher. Individuals caught driving with a BAC level of 0.02, even those below the minimum drinking age, can also be charged.
Neither the driver nor the passenger can possess an open container or consume alcoholic drinks inside a motor vehicle.
References:
- https://sla.ny.gov/frequent-violations-abc-law-retailers
- https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/politics/2023/04/27/sunday-morning-liquor-store-sales-proposed-by-state-commission
