No spirits on Christmas? Learn the laws about buying holiday alcohol in Georgia
If you’re looking to eat, drink and be merry in Georgia, you may have to settle for two out of three.
Although it may seem far-fetched, there are some areas in Georgia where alcohol sales on Christmas are banned and other areas in which most package stores are closed.
Generally, alcohol sales are allowed on Christmas Day in most parts of Georgia, so that means you can likely find a place to purchase your holiday spirits.
However there are some important caveats to keep in mind:
Local Variations
While state law permits Christmas Day alcohol sales, individual cities and counties have the power to restrict or prohibit sales.
These areas will be celebrating a dry holiday season with a complete ban on alcohol sales on Christmas Day:
Athens
Hall County
Milledgeville
These counties are dry all year round, no matter the season:
Bleckley
Coweta
Dodge
Effingham
Franklin
Hart
Lumpkin
Murray
Union
White
Types of Sales
Depending on where you live, you may be able to circumvent the bans by switching up how you buy it. For instance, Oakwood County allows alcohol, but liquor bottle or package sales are prohibited.
If you have concerns about securing your Christmas booze, you should look into the rules in your area.
Liquor stores will open unless restricted by local ordinances, like those in Oakwood.
Bars and restaurants may be allowed to serve alcohol even in areas where retail sales are prohibited.
Grocery and convenience store policies may vary, so it’s wise to call ahead.
Tips for Holiday Shoppers
Stock up before Christmas Day. You may even find some Black Friday sales to shop.
Check store hours. Even where sales are allowed, some businesses may choose to close for the holiday.
Be aware of timing. Some areas may have specific hours for alcohol sales on holidays.
Georgia may offer flexible rules for Christmas Day alcohol sales, but not every area has the same ordinances and laws. It’s best to bone up on what your county or town allows before chancing a Christmas nip.
Just remember to enjoy your holiday celebrations responsibly so you don’t wind up on Santa’s naughty list.
This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 11:02 AM with the headline "No spirits on Christmas? Learn the laws about buying holiday alcohol in Georgia."
