Are Liquor Stores Open on Memorial Day? State-by-State Guide for 2025
Discover which liquor stores are open or closed on Memorial Day in every state across the U.S.—plus essential planning tips for your holiday festivities.
Are Liquor Stores Open on Memorial Day? Your State-By-State Guide for 2025
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States, bringing together friends and family for cookouts, beach trips, and patriotic celebrations. Whether you’re crafting a classic piña colada, firing up the grill for ribs, or preparing a festive batch of rocket Jell-O shots, ensuring you’ve got the right beverages on hand is crucial for your holiday festivities. However, due to varying state laws, liquor store hours on Memorial Day can differ dramatically across the country. Before you run out for supplies, it’s important to know where you stand!
Why Do Liquor Store Hours Vary?
In the United States, liquor laws are primarily regulated at the state level, with several states adopting stricter controls sometimes known as “alcoholic beverage control” (ABC) policies. These regulations determine if, when, and how liquor stores operate on public holidays—including Memorial Day. Within ABC states, government run stores may have statewide mandates about openings and closures, but hours can still differ by city, county, or even individual store.
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) States: Open vs Closed on Memorial Day
ABC states are those where the government regulates or runs the sale and distribution of spirits—sometimes through designated state-run stores. Here’s how these states stack up for Memorial Day 2025:
| State | Status on Memorial Day 2025 | Notes/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Closed | Except for Orange Beach & Gulf Shores locations |
| Idaho | Closed | |
| Iowa | Open | No delivery available |
| Maine | Open | |
| Michigan | Open | |
| Mississippi | Open | |
| Montana | Closed | |
| New Hampshire | Open | |
| North Carolina | Open | |
| Ohio | Open | |
| Oregon | Possibly Open | Varies by store location |
| Pennsylvania | Open | |
| Utah | Closed | |
| Vermont | Open | |
| Virginia | Open | |
| West Virginia | Open | |
| Wyoming | Open |
Note: Even in “open” states, individual store hours may vary. Always call ahead to confirm hours for your local shop.
States With Privately Owned Liquor Stores
In states that do not operate government-owned liquor stores, hours and holiday openings are set by private owners or by local authorities. This means you could find some stores open while others are closed, even within the same city or county. Here are general guidelines for non-ABC states:
- Stores in larger cities or tourist destinations often remain open, though hours may be shortened.
- Independent stores may choose to close in observance of the holiday or due to local regulations.
- Some supermarket chains with attached liquor departments (where permitted) may follow their grocery hours.
Holiday Shopping Tips for Memorial Day Beverages
- Call Ahead: Even if your state is listed as open, always double-check your nearest store’s hours by phone or online. Hours can change for holidays without widespread notice.
- Stock Up Early: Avoid last-minute shopping stresses by picking up your beverages a day or two before Memorial Day, especially if you’re expecting guests.
- Know Your Options: In some areas, beer and wine may be available at grocery or convenience stores even if liquor stores are closed, depending on local laws.
- Consider Delivery Restrictions: Some open stores may not offer delivery service on holidays, such as in Iowa, so plan accordingly.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Anticipate larger crowds and possible out-of-stock products during the holiday rush.
Memorial Day Essentials: Beyond the Liquor Store
Planning ahead also means knowing where to get all your holiday essentials—beyond just the alcohol. Many major grocery stores remain open on Memorial Day. Here’s a quick overview of national chains you can count on:
- ACME
- Albertsons
- Aldi (limited hours)
- Food Lion
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Publix
- Randalls
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club (open until 6 p.m.)
- Target
- Tom Thumb
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods
If you need beer, wine, other mixers, or even last-minute snacks and BBQ ingredients, these stores will likely be open—but again, their pharmacy hours or specialized services (like deli counters) may differ from standard hours.
Memorial Day Alcohol Laws: Key Facts All Shoppers Should Know
- Legal Drinking Age: The minimum age remains 21 for alcohol purchase and consumption across the U.S., even on holidays.
- Sunday Sales Laws: Some states or counties have additional “blue laws” restricting alcohol sales on Sundays; these may also apply to holidays, further restricting sales hours.
- Delivery Restrictions: States might ban alcohol delivery on holidays or during certain hours. Always verify before placing an order for pickup or delivery.
- Open Container Laws: Even if you buy alcohol for your celebration, public consumption may be prohibited. Review your local rules to avoid fines.
Popular Memorial Day Cocktails and Drink Recipes
Since Memorial Day kicks off the summer cocktail season, consider preparing some crowd-pleasing drinks for your guests:
- Piña Colada: A blend of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice served over ice for a tropical vibe.
- Strawberry Daiquiri: Fresh strawberries, lime juice, and white rum mixed into a perfectly refreshing frozen treat.
- Rocket Jell-O Shots: Layered red, white, and blue Jell-O with vodka for a patriotic twist.
- Classic Margarita: Tequila, lime juice, and Triple Sec shaken over ice—always a hit with BBQ fare.
- Lemonade Spritz: Vodka or gin with sparkling lemonade and a splash of club soda.
Pair your beverages with seasonal fare like BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, potato salad, and fresh fruit for a true Memorial Day feast!
Checklist: Planning Your Memorial Day Drinks Run
- Confirm the operating hours of your preferred liquor and grocery stores.
- Review your menu and beverage ingredients ahead of time.
- Shop early to avoid long lines and shortages.
- Make alternate plans for beer or wine if liquor stores are closed in your area.
- Designate a driver or arrange transportation for guests if adult beverages are on the menu.
State-by-State Holiday Alcohol Store Reference
For easy reference, here’s an alphabetical list of ABC states and their expected status on Memorial Day 2025:
- Closed (all or most locations): Alabama (except some coastal locations), Idaho, Montana, Utah
- Open: Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon (varies), Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
Remember, private liquor store states will always require you to check individual stores for specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are some liquor stores closed on Memorial Day while others are open?
A: Liquor store hours on holidays are regulated at the state level, with ABC states often setting stricter rules, and local or privately owned stores making decisions based on local laws and business needs.
Q: Can I purchase beer and wine if liquor stores are closed?
A: In many states, beer and wine are available at supermarkets, convenience stores, or gas stations regardless of liquor store closures. Review your state’s specific retail laws to be sure.
Q: Are liquor store hours different for Memorial Day compared to regular holidays?
A: Yes, some states impose special holiday schedules that differ from their typical hours, affecting both opening times and closing times.
Q: Will alcohol delivery services operate on Memorial Day?
A: Not always. Some states restrict alcohol deliveries on major holidays, and even those that allow it may have stores opt out of delivery services for the day.
Q: Where can I find store hours for my local liquor store?
A: The best resources are the official state alcoholic beverage control websites, each store’s direct website, or a quick call to your nearest location. Many state-run stores also post holiday hours on their doors or in store directories.
Memorial Day: Celebrate Responsibly
As you prepare for Memorial Day festivities, advance planning will save you time and hassle. With state laws varying across the U.S., it pays to know your local rules, stock up before the holiday, and always double-check store hours. No matter your menu—from boozy Jell-O shots to classic cocktails—always enjoy your beverages responsibly and ensure the safety of your guests throughout the holiday weekend. Cheers to a memorable start to summer!
