Planning a Thanksgiving Celebration: Here's What You Need to Know About Liquor Store Hours

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. And, for many people, that also includes alcohol. But if you're planning on buying liquor on Thanksgiving, you need to be aware that not all liquor stores will be open.

In most states, liquor stores are prohibited from selling alcohol on Thanksgiving Day. However, there are a few exceptions. Some states allow liquor stores to open on Thanksgiving if they meet certain criteria, such as being located in a tourist area or having a special permit. There are also a few loopholes that allow liquor stores to sell alcohol on Thanksgiving, such as selling it as part of a meal or selling it to people who are staying in a hotel.

To find out if liquor stores will be open in your area on Thanksgiving, you can check with your local liquor store or visit the website of your state's alcohol beverage control board.

If you're planning on buying liquor on Thanksgiving, it's a good idea to do so in advance. This will ensure that you have the alcohol you need for your celebration and that you don't have to scramble to find a liquor store that's open on the holiday.

States Where Liquor Stores Are Allowed to Be Open on Thanksgiving

According to the National Association of State Alcoholic Beverage Control Agencies, the following states allow liquor stores to be open on Thanksgiving Day:

Tips for Buying Liquor on Thanksgiving

If you're planning on buying liquor on Thanksgiving, here are a few tips:

• Check with your local liquor store. The best way to find out if a liquor store will be open on Thanksgiving is to call them or visit their website.
• Buy in advance. If you're planning on buying a lot of liquor, it's a good idea to do so in advance. This will ensure that you have the alcohol you need for your celebration and that you don't have to scramble to find a liquor store that's open on the holiday.
• Be aware of the restrictions. In some states, there are restrictions on the days and times that liquor stores can sell alcohol. Be sure to check with your local liquor store or visit the website of your state's alcohol beverage control board to find out what the restrictions are.
• Have a designated driver. If you're planning on drinking alcohol on Thanksgiving, be sure to have a designated driver or arrange for a ride home.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

John and his wife were planning to host a Thanksgiving dinner for their family and friends. They went to the liquor store on Thanksgiving morning to buy some wine and beer. However, they were surprised to find that the store was closed. They had to scramble to find another liquor store that was open, and they ended up paying a higher price for the alcohol.

Lesson learned: Check with your local liquor store in advance to find out if they will be open on Thanksgiving.

Story 2:

Mary and her friends were planning to have a Thanksgiving party. They went to the liquor store on Thanksgiving afternoon to buy some vodka. However, they were surprised to find that the store was only selling alcohol to people who were staying in a hotel. Mary and her friends were not staying in a hotel, so they were not able to buy any alcohol.

Lesson learned: Be aware of the restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving in your state.

Story 3:

Tom and his family were driving home from a Thanksgiving dinner when they were pulled over by the police. The police officer asked Tom if he had been drinking, and Tom admitted that he had had a few glasses of wine with his dinner. The police officer gave Tom a breathalyzer test, and Tom's blood alcohol content was over the legal limit. Tom was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Lesson learned: If you're planning on drinking alcohol on Thanksgiving, be sure to have a designated driver or arrange for a ride home.

Benefits of Planning Ahead

Planning ahead for your Thanksgiving alcohol needs can help you avoid a lot of stress and hassle. By checking with your local liquor store in advance, you can make sure that you will be able to buy the alcohol you need for your celebration. And by being aware of the restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving in your state, you can avoid any surprises.