It’s nice to sit down with a good alcoholic drink now and then. And most parties can’t do without alcohol. But how convenient is it to buy alcohol where you live? Are there any restrictions, or can you head to a convenience store to buy some alcohol? Does 7 Eleven sell alcohol?
Some 7 Eleven stores sell alcohol and some do not, it depends on which state or country you are in. Some countries, US states, and some provinces only allow the sale of alcohol in designated liquor stores.
Any 7 Eleven store legally allowed to sell alcohol will usually do so. It’s simple, alcohol is good for profit. In addition, 7-Eleven’s mission is to offer its customers as much convenience as possible, as they are a convenience store.
So yes, if you are in a state where the sale of alcohol is permitted in convenience and grocery stores, it is very likely that 7 Eleven has a selection of beer, wine, and sometimes even liquor (that also depends on the state you are in).
Why Do Some 7 Eleven Stores Not Sell Alcohol?
A 7 Eleven store in a country, province, or state with strict alcohol laws may not be allowed to sell any alcohol.
In some cases, a 7 Eleven store could theoretically sell alcohol if it had a separate area. But for many stores, this is just not convenient for both the buyer and the store owner.
Take North Dakota, for example. Retailers are allowed to sell alcohol, including liquor, as long as the alcohol business is separate from the rest of the store.
This might be impossible for many 7 Eleven stores as their space is limited.
Which States Does 7 Eleven Sell Alcohol In?
Each state in the USA has its own laws about the production, distribution, marketing, and sale of alcohol. Most states have different rules for beer and wine, and liquor.
To keep it simple, I created a list to show you which states allow the sale of alcohol in 7 Eleven stores – or where else to buy alcohol if you can’t get it in 7 Eleven.
Important Notes:
- If 7 Eleven sells alcohol in a state, you can also buy it in grocery stores, so I won’t mention grocery stores separately.
- “No restrictions” only means that you can buy alcohol in various retailers: grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, drug stores, etc. There may be local restrictions on opening hours and alcohol sales on Sundays, though.
| State | Does 7 Eleven Sell Alcohol In-Store? | If not in 7 Eleven, where else? |
| Alabama | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Alaska | No | In liquor stores or separate areas in grocery stores |
| Arizona | Yes | No restrictions |
| Arkansas | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| California | Yes | No restrictions |
| Colorado | Beer only | Liquor stores and a small number of drug stores |
| Connecticut | Beer only | Liquor stores |
| Delaware | No | Liquor stores |
| District of Columbia | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Florida | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Georgia | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Hawaii | Yes | No restrictions |
| Idaho | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Illinois | Yes | No restrictions |
| Indiana | Yes | No restrictions |
| Iowa | Yes | No restrictions |
| Kansas | Beer up to 6% ABV only | Liquor stores |
| Kentucky | Beer only | Liquor stores |
| Louisiana | Yes | No restrictions |
| Maine | Yes | No restrictions |
| Maryland | Depends on county | Depends on county |
| Massachusetts | Yes | No restrictions |
| Michigan | Yes | No restrictions |
| Minnesota | Beer up to 3.2% ABV only | Liquor stores |
| Mississippi | Beer only | Liquor stores |
| Missouri | Yes | No restrictions |
| Montana | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Nebraska | Yes | No restrictions |
| Nevada | Yes | No restrictions |
| New Hampshire | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| New Jersey | Rarely | Liquor stores, but some parts of the state are alcohol-free |
| New Mexico | Yes | No restrictions |
| New York | Beer only | Liquor stores |
| North Carolina | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| North Dakota | Depends on store | Any retailer, as long as the alcohol part is separate from the rest of the business |
| Ohio | Yes, but only under 21% ABV | Liquor stores |
| Oklahoma | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Oregon | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Pennsylvania | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Rhode Island | No | Liquor stores |
| South Carolina | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| South Dakota | Yes | No restrictions |
| Tennessee | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Texas | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Utah | Beer up to 4% ABV only | Liquor stores |
| Vermont | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Virginia | Beer and wine only | Liquor stores |
| Washington | Yes | No restrictions |
| West Virginia | Yes | No restrictions |
| Wisconsin | Depends on county | Depends on county |
| Wyoming | Yes | No restrictions |
What About 7 Eleven Stores In Other Countries?
Whether you can find alcohol in 7 Eleven stores in other countries also depends a lot on local laws. Let’s have a look at some examples:
Canada:
Canada has fairly strict alcohol laws in most places. You can buy beer in convenience stores in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec. However, there are no 7 Elevens in Newfoundland and Labrador or in Quebec, so technically all 7 Elevens in Canada do not sell alcohol.
Currently, 7 Eleven is applying for an alcohol sale license in Ontario but is facing a lot of backlashes. However, they might win the fight as 7 Eleven in Hamilton is already allowed to sell alcohol, but only for on-premise consumption.
Thailand:
You can usually find alcohol in 7 Eleven stores, but only if they are not located close to the Highway. There are also some hours during the day when the sale of alcohol is not allowed.
Australia:
Strangely enough, you cannot buy alcohol in 7 Eleven stores in Australia even though the company has recently bought up an alcohol delivery service. Interesting fact: just like in the USA, each state within Australia has slightly different laws concerning the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol, so keep that in mind.
Japan:
7 Eleven stores in Japan sell alcohol. Any store in Japan that obtains a so-called “General Retail Liquor License” can sell alcohol. In general, alcohol laws in Japan are far more relaxed than in other countries.
Examples: Drinking alcohol while on public transport? No problem. Drinking alcohol sitting in your car? No problem (as long you don’t drink and drive). Being drunk in public? No problem.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Buy Alcohol In A 7 Eleven Store?
7 Eleven stores that serve or sell alcohol need to adhere to the local law, so you need to be of legal age in your country.
You must be 21 years old to buy alcohol in a 7 Eleven store in the USA. It is against the law to sell alcohol to a younger person, so don’t be surprised if you are asked for your I.D.
Each country has a different legal drinking age, so inform yourself before you try to buy and consume alcohol.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to buy alcohol in several 7 Eleven stores in different countries, provinces, and states. If you aren’t sure about your state/country, the best way to find out is to call your local store and ask them. If you are visiting a new place simply ask your hotel concierge, Airbnb host, or just visit the 7 Eleven and check for yourself!
If you can’t find any boos in the 7 Eleven you are more than likely near a liquor store, so google search the nearest location to you. I know some locations offer alcohol delivery services on Uber Eats and Door Dash, so get the apps and try ordering if you do not want to head out on the town.
Read some of my related articles:
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Alcohol in Canada?
- Does Circle K Sell Alcohol?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Wine in the United States?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in California?
- Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Texas?
- Does 7 Eleven Sell Vapes?
- Does 7 Eleven Sell Bags of Ice?
- Does 7 Eleven Sell Milk?
- Does Target Sell Alcohol?
