Some states prohibit the sale of alcohol on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Iowa, however, is not one of them.
You must be 21 and up to drink and purchase alcohol in all 50 U.S. states. But each state is different, with varying alcohol laws governing where, when, and how one can purchase and consume alcohol on holidays.
So if you want to indulge in some spiked eggnog, go for it. Safely and responsibly, of course.
Is it legal to buy alcohol on holidays in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa allows liquor sales every day, except between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. There are no restrictions for holidays, according to the Iowa Code.
After Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, when no alcohol could be sold legally nationwide, Iowa took full control of alcohol sales. Iowa remains one of 17 states that still retain direct control over at least one part of alcohol regulation — whether that’s as a manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer.
While grocery stores have been allowed to sell beer since 1972, most won’t be open on Christmas Day. If you’re looking to purchase alcohol, you’ll likely need to find an open liquor store near you or head to a gas station.
In what states is it illegal to buy alcohol on holidays?
Around half of the U.S. imposes restrictions on alcohol sales, if not an outright ban, during major holidays.
In some states, like North Carolina, liquor stores are closed, but grocery stores are allowed to sell beer and wine. In others, it gets a bit more complicated, depending on which stores are state-run or private.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Can you buy beer and alcohol on Christmas in Iowa?
Reporting by Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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