Target is a great store with many products at affordable prices. You may wonder whether you could also use Target to shop for alcohol.
Does Target sell alcohol?
Yes, Target does sell alcohol but it depends on which state you live in. Each state has its own regulations about the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and liquor).
In the following, I will
- Explain why you cannot buy alcohol in every single Target store
- Tell you which states do not allow Target to sell alcohol
- And answer some other questions about alcohol in Target stores.
Why Can I Not Buy Alcohol In All Target Stores?
You may already know that the states in the USA have different views and laws about various things. In some states, the death sentence is allowed; in others, it isn’t. In some states, you can legally buy weed; in others, it’s a crime.
It probably doesn’t surprise you to learn that alcohol laws also differ from state to state – sometimes quite dramatically. You will mainly be influenced by the regulations about the sale and distribution of alcohol.
These regulations are why Target stores are not allowed to sell alcohol in some states – or have to jump through too many hoops.
Where Does Target Sell Alcohol?
If Target stores could, then every single one would sell all types of alcohol. Unfortunately, it is not up to Target to make that decision but to the state a store is located in.
Below, you will find a list that explains in which states Target stores are allowed to the different types of alcohol.
Note: The answer “maybe” means that whether or not you can find alcohol in a Target in that state can differ from county to county.
Some states have very different regulations in their counties. Some counties are “dry,” while others are “wet,” which means they have less of an issue with the sale and consumption of alcohol.
| State | Beer | Wine | Liquor (rum, vodka, gin, etc.) |
| Alabama | Yes | Yes | No |
| Alaska | No | No | No |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | No |
| California | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | No | No |
| Connecticut | Yes | No | No |
| Delaware | No | No | No |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Florida | Yes | Yes | No |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hawaii | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | No |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | Up to 6% ABV only | No | No |
| Kentucky | Yes | No | No |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | Only up to 3.2% ABV | No | No |
| Mississippi | Yes | No | No |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | No |
| New Jersey | Rarely | Rarely | No |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New York | Yes | No | No |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes | No |
| North Dakota | Rarely | Rarely | Rarely |
| Ohio | Yes | Only under 21% ABV
|
Only under 21% ABV |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | No |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rhode Island | No | No | No |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes | No |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | No |
| Utah | Up to 4% ABV only | Yes | No |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
If I Can’t Buy Alcohol At Target, Where Do I Go Instead?
If you want to visit Oklahoma and surprise a friend with a bottle of rum when you arrive, the list above tells you this: You cannot get liquor at Target stores in Oklahoma.
So where do you have to go instead? In states where alcohol sales aren’t allowed in stores like Target, Walmart, or general grocery stores, you will have no choice but to visit a liquor store (often state-owned). These are sometimes also called packaging stores.
Is Target A Good Place To Buy Alcohol?
If you live in or visit a state where Target is allowed to sell alcohol, then there’s no reason not to take advantage of it.
Target is known for its affordable pricing, which extends to alcohol as well – to a degree. While you won’t save a fortune by alcohol shopping at Target, you can always find some good deals.
The brands Target sells are the same as other retailers – there’s no difference in quality, so Target is a good place to buy alcohol.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Buy Alcohol At Target?
You must be 21 years old to buy alcohol in Target (and any other store). You may also be asked for your ID if the person selling the alcohol to you thinks you look too young.
Selling alcohol to people under 21 carries serious consequences, so staff will usually be cautious. If you are over 21 but are often told you look younger, you should take your ID with you to be on the safe side.
Does Target Deliver Alcohol?
This also depends on the state you live in. Target added alcohol to the products they deliver during the COVID pandemic. Over 1,200 stores offer alcohol delivery – but of course, only in states in which stores like Target can sell alcohol.
You also have the option to do your shopping for alcohol online and pick up the order in your nearest store. You will still need to prove your age – so ordering online is not a way to get around age verification checks!
Final Thoughts
Target sells alcohol in many states, but some only sell beer and wine, as liquor sales are often only allowed in state-owned liquor stores.
Buying alcohol at Target is a good choice as you can get fair prices and do your other shopping simultaneously.
Read my related Target and Alcohol articles: