California has the biggest population of all US states and is the home of Los Angeles. This state is great to live in but also extremely popular with tourists from all over the world. It seems like a fun state, but does that mean it’s easy to get your hands on some liquor?
Do grocery stores sell liquor in California?
Yes, grocery stores in California that have a liquor license can sell liquor. There are also no limitations for liquor sales on Sundays in California.
In this article, I will let you know where else you can buy liquor in California and whether the convenience of buying liquor means that other alcohol laws are just as relaxed.
Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in California?
Alcohol sales in California are regulated by California’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). Stores, including grocery stores that want to sell liquor, must apply for a suitable license from the ABC before selling liquor.
As long as a grocery store’s application is successful, it can sell liquor. They can sell liquor from 6 am to 2 am with a license. However, if the same store also sells motor fuel, the store must not display liquor anywhere close to the cash register (distance needs to be at least five feet).
Where Do I Find Liquor In Grocery Stores in California?
Depending on the size of the grocery store, you will find liquor in the same aisle as wine and beer or in its own aisle (which will be close to the beer and wine aisle).
If the grocery store also sells car fuel, you will never find liquor within five feet of the cash register.
Does Target Sell Liquor In California?
Yes, Target has a liquor license in California and can sell liquor in all stores.
From Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Rum to Tito’s Handmade Vodka, you can find a rather nice selection of liquors in any California Target store.
Does Walmart Sell Liquor In California?
Just like Target, Walmart can sell liquor in California.
Each store will have a good selection of liquors like Barcadi’s Superior White Rum, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and 1800 Silver Tequila, to name a few examples.
Where Else Can You Buy Liquor In California?
In addition to your standard grocery store, you can also buy liquor in specialized liquor stores that will generally have much more choice.
You can also buy liquor online and get it delivered to your home if you feel uncomfortable buying liquor in any store. You can sometimes find good deals in online liquor stores.
Suppose you want a glass of liquor while out and about; you can enjoy liquor in restaurants with an on-sale license. There are also many bars and clubs that have a liquor license.
Related Questions
Are The Alcohol Laws In California Pretty Relaxed?
Many states do not allow the sale of liquor in grocery stores, so California is one of the more relaxed states in that regard.
But does that mean it’s also a relaxed state in general regarding alcohol-related laws? Not really. You will be fined if caught driving with alcohol in your blood.
It is against the law to have an open container of alcohol in your car, and even if you are of legal age to drink (21 years or older), you must never consume alcohol in your vehicle. This violation can have serious consequences: a temporary loss of your car, a hefty fine, or even a one-year suspension of your driver’s license.
So yes, grocery stores sell liquor in California – but that doesn’t mean you can do what you want with alcohol or while drunk!
Why Are The Alcohol Laws Different In Each State?
Not only tourists but also Americans are confused about dealing with different alcohol laws in other states. They can buy rum in a grocery store in one state, but when they visit another, they cannot find any rum anywhere.
You may think the law should be the same within the country, but each state has the right to make its own alcohol laws. The reason for this lies within the USA’s history with alcohol.
There was a period called “prohibition.” During that time, the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol were not allowed. This period ended in 1933, and each state was then allowed to decide how to deal with alcohol.
To make matters worse: counties within a state can also adjust the state’s alcohol laws to suit them. A state’s history of drunken violence or religion explains why some states are stricter than others.
Final Thoughts
Buying liquor in California is easy. Grocery stores sell liquor in California, meaning the state makes this process much easier than a state like Tennessee.
You can buy liquor in many places, but you must be aware of local alcohol laws. If you are new to California or just visiting, it would pay off to familiarize yourself with the local laws. Remember to check the laws of the county you are in, as some counties within a state change the state’s alcohol laws a little.
Read our related alcohol articles:
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Tennessee?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Oregon?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Arizona?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Texas?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Wine in the United States?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in New York?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Florida?
