If you’re planning to have a glass of wine, a mixed drink or beer this Fourth of July weekend, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a store, restaurant or bar ready to sell.
Unlike some states, Michigan doesn’t cut off off alcohol sales at bars, restaurants or stores early on on the Fourth of July. There are some restrictions on other holidays, including Christmas, but this long summer weekend can include alcohol if you want it to.
While some stores, including Costco, are closed on July 4, most retail outlets have at least limited hours and many restaurants and bars are open.
Here’s what you need to know:
When can I buy alcohol on July 4?
There are no restrictions on alcohol purchases for the July 4th holiday in Michigan. Beer, wine, and liquor all can be purchased at grocery, and liquor or party stores.
Alcohol sales in Michigan are prohibited by all sellers between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. each day, although local ordinances can reduce Sunday hours.
Michigan closes alcohol sales at midnight on Christmas Eve and prohibits sales until noon on Christmas Day. On New Year’s the 2 a.m. cutoff is extended to 4 a.m.
Who can buy alcohol in Michigan?
State law restricts alcohol purchases to people who are 21 and older. As of July 4, the most recent legal birth date will be July 4, 2004.
However, cashiers, clerks, bartenders, waiters and waitresses, and others are prohibited from selling to any visibly intoxicated patron regardless of age.
Can I buy alcohol in another state and bring it home?
A person of legal age may bring up to 312 ounces of alcoholic liquor that contains less than 21% alcohol by volume — about 24 12-ounce containers of beer or 12 750-milliliter containers of wine — from another state without prior approval.
Can I purchase alcohol online and have it shipped to me?
Yes, in some cases. Michigan requires a special direct license for out-of-state shippers.
Bell’s Brewery notes that shipping beer directly to consumers is illegal in Michigan, but that some third-party companies can handle the transaction via retailers. UberEats lists alcohol delivery from retailers as a service on its website.
The U.S. Postal Service prohibits most shipments of alcohol.
If you purchase from a business, FedEx will ship alcohol.
UPS lists alcohol as a restricted item, which it ships under specific criteria.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Are liquor stores open on July 4 in Michigan? What to know
Reporting by Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
