In New York, where VinePair HQ is located, we’re fortunate to live by relatively lax liquor, wine, and beer laws. Residents of other U.S. states, though, aren’t quite so lucky.
Each state has its own set of alcohol rules and restrictions — some of which are just plain weird. And because of the outdated and oppressive nature of restricting alcohol sales at certain times, days, or holidays, you may be wondering: Can I buy booze on Memorial Day?
In most cases, the answer is yes. You’ll have the green light for emergency beer runs for backyard barbecues in nearly every state. There is a chance, though, you might have to stock up on alcohol early or plan your pickups based on which liquor stores will be open or closed. Below is a helpful state-by-state chart to inform your last-minute booze decisions on Memorial Day.
| State | Alcohol Sales? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Some | All liquor stores closed except in two cities: Orange Beach and Gulf Shore. |
| Alaska | Yes | |
| Arizona | Yes | |
| Arkansas | Yes | |
| California | Yes | |
| Colorado | Yes | |
| Connecticut | Yes | |
| Delaware | Yes | |
| Florida | Yes | |
| Georgia | Some | Depends what county you’re in. |
| Hawaii | Yes | |
| Idaho | Some | State-owned liquor stores are closed and availability varies by county. |
| Illinois | Some | Some restrictions on sales in the early-morning hours, and each county is different. |
| Indiana | Yes | |
| Iowa | Yes | |
| Kansas | Some | Kansas alcohol laws are quite complicated. |
| Kentucky | Some | State is historically and overwhelmingly dry, but you can try. |
| Louisiana | Yes | |
| Maine | Yes | |
| Maryland | Yes | |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Liquor sales restricted before noon. |
| Michigan | Yes | |
| Minnesota | Yes | |
| Mississippi | Yes | |
| Missouri | Yes | |
| Montana | Some | State-owned liquor stores will be closed. No liquor sales, but beer and wine available. |
| Nebraska | Yes | |
| Nevada | Yes | |
| New Hampshire | Yes | |
| New Jersey | Yes | |
| New Mexico | Yes | |
| New York | Yes | |
| North Carolina | Yes | |
| North Dakota | Yes | |
| Ohio | No | |
| Oklahoma | Yes | |
| Oregon | Yes | |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | |
| Rhode Island | Yes | |
| South Carolina | Yes | |
| South Dakota | Yes | Generally allowed, but may depend on local ordinances. |
| Tennessee | Yes | |
| Texas | Yes | |
| Utah | No | State-run liquor stores are closed. |
| Vermont | Yes | |
| Virginia | Yes | State-run liquor stores close at 6 p.m. |
| Washington | Yes | |
| West Virginia | Yes | |
| Wisconsin | Yes | |
| Wyoming | Yes |
