Which Costcos Sell Alcohol? State-by-State Breakdown for 2025
Uncover Costco alcohol rules: a full state-by-state guide for buying beer, wine, and liquor at your local warehouse in 2025.
Which Costcos Sell Alcohol? A Complete State-by-State Guide (2025)
With Costco steadily rising as the go-to wholesaler for great deals on everything from TVs to toilet paper, it’s no surprise that many shoppers flock to its aisles for discounted beer, wine, and liquor. However, the ability to buy alcohol at your local warehouse is mostly determined by state laws and regulations—sometimes down to the very store. This comprehensive guide breaks down which Costcos sell alcohol in 2025, membership rules, and crucial tips for every state.
How State Laws Impact Costco Alcohol Sales
The first thing to know: every state has different regulations on alcohol sales, with further local variations. This means your experience at a Florida Costco may be entirely different than at a location in Minnesota. Here’s what dictates your options:
- State monopoly or control: Some states distribute hard liquor only through state-run outlets, so Costco can sell only beer or wine.
- Licensing caps: States like Georgia restrict the number of liquor licenses any business can hold.
- Public vs. member-only rules: In some places, everyone can buy alcohol at Costco, while in others only members can make purchases.
- Product restrictions: Certain states allow only low-alcohol beer or wine, prohibiting spirits entirely.
State-by-State: Costco Alcohol Availability in 2025
The table below summarizes alcohol sales at Costco, plus key restrictions and membership requirements. Always call your local warehouse to confirm specifics, as regulations or warehouse offerings may change.
| State | Alcohol Sold | Membership Required? | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Beer, wine | Yes | No spirits; state-run liquor stores only |
| Alaska | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | All alcohol available for members |
| Arizona | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Alcohol sold to non-members |
| Arkansas | Beer, wine, liquor | Beer/wine: Yes; Liquor: No | Liquor is sold to all; beer/wine to members only |
| California | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Non-members can buy alcohol |
| Colorado | Beer, wine, liquor (varies) | No | Not all warehouses sell alcohol |
| Connecticut | Beer, wine, liquor (varies) | No | Not all locations sell alcohol |
| Delaware | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Only one warehouse; tax-free |
| Florida | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | All stores sell alcohol; membership needed |
| Georgia | Beer, wine, some liquor | Yes | Only select warehouses (Perimeter & Alpharetta); license cap |
| Hawaii | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Non-members can purchase |
| Idaho | Beer, wine | Yes | No spirits; state-controlled |
| Illinois | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Only members can purchase |
| Indiana | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Law prohibits membership-only alcohol sales |
| Iowa | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| Kansas | Beer (<3.2% ABV) | Yes | Only low-alcohol beer |
| Kentucky | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Open to all |
| Louisiana | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Membership required |
| Maine | None | – | No Costco warehouses |
| Maryland | None | – | No alcohol sold at Costco |
| Massachusetts | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Anyone can purchase |
| Michigan | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Open to public |
| Minnesota | Beer, wine, liquor | No | Open to all |
| Mississippi | Beer (members); liquor (non-members) | See notes | Members for beer, non-members for liquor |
| Missouri | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| Nebraska | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| Nevada | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only; expected in Las Vegas |
| New Hampshire | Beer, wine | Yes | Spirits at state-run stores only |
| New Jersey | Beer, wine, liquor (varies) | Yes (some exceptions) | Depends on warehouse/licensing; call ahead |
| New Mexico | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| New York | Beer (Costco); Wine/liquor (limited) | Beer: Yes; Wine/liquor: No (Oceanside warehouse) | Oceanside only for wine & liquor; open to all |
| North Carolina | Beer, wine | Yes | No liquor; members only |
| North Dakota | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| Ohio | Beer, wine | No | All can purchase beer and wine; liquor only at state agency stores |
| Oklahoma | Beer, wine | Yes | No liquor; members only |
| Oregon | Beer, wine | Yes | No spirits; members only |
| Pennsylvania | None | – | No alcohol at Costco; state-controlled |
| Rhode Island | None | – | No Costco warehouses |
| South Carolina | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| South Dakota | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| Tennessee | Beer, wine | Yes | No liquor; members only |
| Texas | Beer, wine | No | Open to public |
| Utah | Beer (<5% ABV) | Yes | No wine or liquor; only low-alcohol beer |
| Vermont | Beer, wine | No | Open to public; no spirits |
| Virginia | Beer, wine | Yes | No spirits; members only |
| Washington | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| West Virginia | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| Wisconsin | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
| Wyoming | Beer, wine, liquor | Yes | Members only |
Special Cases, Exceptions, and Notable Rules
- Membership Not Always Needed: In states like California, Arizona, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and Vermont, local law requires alcohol to be sold to the public regardless of warehouse memberships.
- Strict State Control: Pennsylvania, Utah, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Oregon restrict liquor or spirits sales to state stores. Costco can typically offer only beer or wine (and even those are sometimes limited).
- No Alcohol at All: In Maryland, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Rhode Island, you’ll find no alcohol in Costco warehouses—either by law or because there is no warehouse present.
- Limited Selection or Licensing: Georgia only allows a business to hold two liquor licenses, so just a few select locations sell spirits, even if beer and wine are more widely available. New Jersey varies warehouse by warehouse, and store-by-store rules may change, so always call ahead.
- Low-Alcohol Only: Kansas and Utah limit beer sales to low-alcohol (3.2% ABV and <5% ABV, respectively).
Tips for Shopping Alcohol at Costco
- Check local warehouse inventories: Not all locations sell alcohol, even within the same state.
- Call ahead for selection: New Jersey, Colorado, and Connecticut may have warehouses with differing alcohol options or separate liquor stores onsite.
- Expect large variety: Where allowed, major locations stock 45-60 unique spirits and up to 150 different wines, with the broadest selection during holidays.
- Bring valid ID: As with all alcohol sales, you must have valid identification, even if state law allows non-members to buy.
- Look for Kirkland Signature: Costco’s in-house spirits and wine label often represents excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Costco Alcohol Sales
Q: Can non-members buy alcohol at Costco?
A: It depends on your state. In states like California, Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and others, state law allows all customers—member or not—to purchase alcohol at Costco warehouses. Other states may require a membership for alcohol purchases.
Q: Which states don’t allow any alcohol sales at Costco?
A: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Maine, and Rhode Island Costcos do not sell alcohol. In these states, either there are no warehouses, or state law restricts alcohol sales to government-run stores or prohibits warehouse liquor sales entirely.
Q: Where can I buy hard liquor at Costco?
A: States such as California, Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, Florida, Washington, and many others allow Costcos to sell spirits, in addition to beer and wine. States with government control (like Utah, Oregon, Pennsylvania) generally only permit beer and/or wine at warehouses.
Q: Do all Costcos in a state sell alcohol?
A: Not always. Even in states that allow alcohol sales, some individual warehouses may not have licenses, or may sell only beer/wine or have a separate liquor store onsite. New Jersey, Georgia, Colorado, and Connecticut are especially variable.
Q: Does Costco offer its Kirkland brand alcohol everywhere?
A: Kirkland Signature spirits, wines, and beers are stocked wherever state law allows Costco to sell them. Selection and availability are best where full liquor sales are permitted (e.g., California, Nevada, Washington), and typically expand during the holidays.
Q: Are prices at Costco better than liquor stores?
A: Generally, yes. Many shoppers find Costco’s prices for quality spirits, wine, and beer are lower than most liquor stores, especially for the Kirkland brand and top-selling national brands.
Final Tips and Takeaways
- Always check local law before heading out—alcohol policies may shift even by county or city.
- Non-members may have purchase rights in your area, so if you’re not a member, research your state’s regulations ahead of time.
- Expect selection to peak during holidays, with extra SKUs of spirits and wine available.
