Talk:List of alcohol laws of the United States/Archive 1

retail sales
This should include information on which states restrict which alcoholic beverages to dedicated stores. (Alphaboi867 19:47, 20 August 2006 (UTC))

I edited the chart to reflect that, If there are any errors, feel free to correct them yourself. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.202.127.187 (talk) 23:57, 30 April 2008 (UTC)

Oregon
Oregon bars, grocery stores, and convenience stores sell alcohol until 2:30 (although of that list, only bars can sell liquor). However, all dedicated liquor stores in Oregon close by 10PM at the latest, many as early as 7PM. This should be reflected on the page somehow... Hexrei
 * This is still wrong, you can indeed buy beer and wine until 2:30 at "Off-premises locations" like grocery stores and convenience stores. They don't sell liquor at all, though.Hexrei 13:46, 10 May 2007 (UTC)

Inaccurate information
Alaska does allow sales of Beer Wine and Spirits in grocery stores. My company, Winery Exchange, sells Beer and Wine to Fred Meyer in Alaska. We also sell Vodka to Costco in Alaska. Buckwirth (talk) 23:42, 17 August 2008 (UTC)

Ohio is not an alchohol control state as presented in this article. It is even more liberal than New York state which is not listed. In New York spirits must be carried in liqour stores and may not be sold in pharmacies or other "convenience stores". However, in Ohio even pharmacy chains such as CVS carry "hard liquor" such a vodka on open shelves like the rest of the products. Vassyana 18:22, 30 August 2006 (UTC)


 * Ohio
 * is in fact a control state. However it doesn't directly operate liquor stores anymore.  The DLC appoints private businesses as agents to sell spirits and they earn a commision from sales. (Alphaboi867 21:38, 30 August 2006 (UTC))


 * In context of the article they are then a FORMER control state. It is misleading to present them as an alcohol control state due to their current (and longstanding) practice of allowing retail and convenience store outlets to sell liquor. Again I will reiterate that their practical policy is considerably more liberal than most "non-control" states, such as New York. Clarifying further, Ohio retains exclusive control over alcohol within its borders as provided for by the repeal of Prohibition. They do not exercise a state monopoly over alcohol sales. Instead, Ohio takes a regulatory and excise approach. This clearly removes them from the definition of an alcoholic beverage control state. Vassyana 04:33, 31 August 2006 (UTC)
 * Read the Ohio website. Ohio is in fact a control state.   The state has monopoly over the sale of hard liquor, it just appoints private citizens to sell them instead of directly operating stores.  The fact that these private citizens can sell them alongside groceries and general merchandise isn't relevant.  The chart deals with whether or not there is a state monopoly on alcohol sales, not whether or not alcohol is restricted to specialist shops.  (Alphaboi867 14:07, 31 August 2006 (UTC))
 * Constitutionally EVERY state has a "monopoly" over liquor sales. Additionally, they all have and exercise monopoly control over who is permitted to sell such products. If a state is not exercising that monopoly control in direct sales (as is the hallmark of alchohol control), what distinguishes them from "non-control" states? Vassyana 10:08, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
 * I had a thought on a compromise position. How would you feel about distinguishing states that are *empowered* by existing explicit statute to exercise direct monopoly sales from states that exercise direct monopoly sales? It's simply illogical to assert a state is an alcohol control state because of laws on the books, rather than by their actual practices. This compromise would avoid the misleading presentation of states with alcohol control laws but no such practice as active alchohol control states. It would also preserve the listing of such states among those with alcohol control laws. This way we neither ignore the laws nor the practices. Thoughts? Vassyana 09:51, 9 September 2006 (UTC)

I've received no feedback since my last comments for over four months. I will begin edits unless someone can provide reasonable objections. Vassyana 05:55, 30 January 2007 (UTC)
 * I really don't understand the logic behind your objections are with respect to the notion of liquor control. First off, there are a number of control states; it's important to note that these jurisdictions themselves recognize a distinction between themselves (control states) and non-control states.  In true American fashion, they even have a trade/lobbying association.  Second, as you noted, every state is a "control" state to a certain extent, in that each state exercises control over licensing, excise taxes, etc.  However, control states go "above and beyond" this level of control and become directly involved in some combination of purchasing, distribution, and retail of at least one form of alcoholic beverage.  In Ohio's case, it is the sole purchaser and distributor of hard liquor.  It is this direct control that separates control states from non-control states.  – Swid (talk 15:46, 30 January 2007 (UTC)
 * Objection dropped. Thank you for the reference. "The liquor inventory is the property of the state", is especially convincing. Thank you again for the citation. It is appreciated. Vassyana 06:34, 1 February 2007 (UTC)

Illinois
IIRC, it is illegal for facilities other than clubs/bars to sell alcohol from 1 AM to 7 AM in Illinois... but I can't make heads or tails out of the way this page is formatted.

Doesn't IL also permit Sunday liquor sales? You need to check the map... 75.27.208.38 02:38, 22 July 2007 (UTC)

It looks like somebody is under the impression that their county's local laws apply to the whole state. The article says that the state prohibits the sale of alcohol between 4am and 6am, but there are a couple of jurisdiction near St. Louis which allow sales of Alcohol 24 hours a day. (For instance, Pop’s Nightclub in Sauget, IL is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.). And at the other side of the spectrum, there are a few counties in southern Illinois which are almost entirely dry. I would try to update the section myself, but I'm afraid I don't know enough about this subject, so anything I would write would probably contain many inaccuracies as well. -- Big Brother 1984 (talk) 05:32, 22 December 2007 (UTC)

Changing Red Links to Active Links
Would anyone have a problem with me changing the links of the states which goto non-existent Alcohol law page for that particular state to a link about the state itself. They call me Mr. Pibb 01:40, 12 March 2007 (UTC)

Exceptions to Minimum Age of 21 for Consumption of Alcohol as of January 1, 2006
Is not correct.

Liquor, wine, or beer may be given or dispensed to a person under legal age within a private home and with the knowledge, presence, and consent of the parent or guardian for beverage or medicinal purposes.

Iowa Code sections §123.47, 123.47(2) and §123.49(2)(h)

Site stating law

I have no idea how to edit this or even post right in this discussion. All I know is i live in Virginia and it's an alcohol controlled state (with ABC stores). I'm not sure when the liquor stores open but they close at 9pm except sundays which its 1pm-6pm in some places. And all types of alcohol cannot be sold in stores after 12 on any night (this doesnt include bars, clubs, etc. which can't serve after 2pm.) I'm 100% positive on all of this. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.83.2.198 (talk) 04:56, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

3.2 beer
My recent visit to the "four corners" region of the US (Utah and Colorado in particular) has exposed me rather harshly to the 3.2% beer thing -- not to mention the Navajo Nation which is completely dry. Twelve-packs of Coors beer bought in Utah were identical to ones bought in Colorado, with boldly typed print from the factory on the cardboard "3.2% BEER". In the article, CO is 3.2 ABV, and UT is 3.2 ABW, I have no idea why one state would make their law based on volume and one by weight. So which is it? --Kvuo 02:49, 29 August 2007 (UTC)
 * 3.2 beer is always defined for legal purposes as 3.2% ABW, which is ≈ 4.0% ABV. Even though it is now customary in the U.S. to denote alcoholic strength in ABV, many states' laws still define alcohol strength limits in ABW. – Swid (talk · edits) 14:25, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

In Colorado, 3.2 ABW is sold at grocery stores, and convience stores. Any place that sells food in Colorado will sell 3.2 beer. All of the liquor store's in Colorado sell 6.0 ABV. 3.2 will be marked on the packages in grocery stores etc., but will not be on the beer in liquor stores because it is real beer. The grocery stores cannot sell liquor either if they sell food.

Technical
This article is confusing to someone not familiar with alcohol laws. There's no easy way for a layman to out what the terms mean. Some terms, like alcohol control state, are linked, but not in their first usage. If nothing else, an expanded introduction would be helpful. The maps need additional context. For example: What's a location exception? What's the difference between having both exceptions and an exception for both together? What does it mean to conform to the national open beverage laws?Mbelisle 07:38, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

New Mexico liquor laws
When I was living there, there was a requirement that a bar close by 2am, and that alcohol couldn't be sold past midnight. Was this a local law? (Albuquerque) or state law? Or just an odd convention that everyone is assumes is governed by law? I can look through the laws of New Mexico, but if anyone knows right off hand, it'd be nice. --71.197.238.49 (talk) 07:27, 21 February 2008 (UTC)

BAC
Suggest adding state-by-state BAC levels for motor vehicle operation, unless listed on another article, then suggest linking there. 72.79.202.241 (talk) 07:17, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

Massachusetts liquor retailers
Unless I am mistaken, I remember that during the debate in 2006 over expansion of liquor sales, it was publicized that there was a law stating that retailers can only operate three stores at once to sell alcohol. Thus the sale of alcohol in certain branches of chain retailers (i.e., the Roche Bros. supermarket in Bridgewater). If it can be sourced, i think this should be included in the Massachusetts section. ToddC4176 (talk) 17:27, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Mistakes in the Massachusetts section:
Last column: Alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption may only be sold in licensed package stores. WRONG. Alcoholic beverages are routinely sold at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc. There are limitations, but no restriction to package stores.

Sale of alcohol is prohibited at gas stations, convenience stores, or grocery stores unless the store has a special license issued by the state (rarely granted except in rural areas). WRONG. Local licences allow sales in convenience stores, etc. Frequently granted, urban, suburban, rural, etc.

Holiday sales of alcohol is prohibited. WRONG. Perhaps restricted on some specific holidays, but no general holiday restriction. Sales on July 4th (Independence Day) are commonplace.

Also, in the second-to-last column, it indicates that spirits cannot be sold in grocery stores. WRONG. There are limitations, but no prohibition. Sales of spirits in grocery stores is not very common, but it most cetrainly exists and is not prohibited by state law.

It seems that this section may have been written by someone with a lack of knowledge of Massachusetts laws. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 139.68.134.1 (talk) 18:10, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

North Carolina addition
I changed the NC law notes to include the start time M-Sa of 7:00 a.m. Also added the ABC package store hours of operation. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.144.83.191 (talk) 21:10, 25 June 2008 (UTC)

Minnesota error
Beer is not sold in Minnesota grocery stores. I've lived here my whole life. I wish it was. --Npnunda (talk) 04:50, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

The layout of this page is insane
This table is GIANT. I have a 24" monitor and it's still extremely hard to follow what's going on within this table. On a low-res monitor this must be near impossible to use.  I understand that technically it's tabular data, but the data is so space-consuming and non-uniform that a table is just really not useful.  216.20.151.85 (talk) 13:08, 13 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Yes, it seems best to make more smaller columns. You can use footnotes for special things.  Also, we need a separate section for totally bizarre states, like Vermont.  JeffBurdges (talk) 03:50, 29 August 2008 (UTC)

"Minnesota error" and the resultant correction is incorrect
Minnesota allows the sale of 3.2 percent or lower alcohol in off-sale licensed stores such as grocery stores and convenience stores. According to the Minnesota Legislative Auditor "Minnesota allows grocery and other non-liquor stores to sell only 3.2 beer and malt beverages. State law also restricts the number of off-sale stores in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth."

http://www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/PED/2006/liqregsum.htm

Homebrew Information
Wouldn't it be useful to include state by state details of any regulations relating to home production of beer, wine and spirits? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.126.31.10 (talk) 21:41, 23 October 2008 (UTC)

(talk) 22:26, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

New Jersey
Is it true that NJ state law prohibits the sale of alcohol to Canadian and Mexican citizens? When I visited New Jersey I tried to buy beer but when I showed my Ontario drivers license the vendor told me about this supposed state law, and when I asked to speak to the manager he said the same thing. This was at the old NJ Devils stadium in Newark.

129.100.242.48 (talk) 18:48, 21 November 2008 (UTC)

I am from NJ, and it might have just been because it would be hard to verify an out of country license. I know people from out of state regularly are sold alcoholic beverages with just their license. There's nothing in the state liquor code about selling to out of country persons. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.32.58.197 (talk) 17:22, 25 January 2009 (UTC)

Any Articles on violation of seperation of church and state?
Are there no articles on the contraversy surrounding such laws to be added? In some cases these laws are clearly driven by a vocal minority of religious fanatics. Banning the sale of alcohol on sunday seems all to obviously motivated by religion... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.32.188.25 (talk) 05:42, 28 November 2008 (UTC)