Buying alcohol should be as easy as picking up milk or groceries, but that’s not the case at every Walmart.
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has the option to purchase alcohol from its retail outlets and departmental stores. However, some people may still find it hard to buy alcohol from Walmart stores in the U.S.
The reason comes down to varying state and local laws on alcohol sales.
State and County Laws Drive Alcohol Restrictions
Across the U.S., some counties restrict alcohol sales in grocery and superstores. Dry counties are most common in the southern U.S.; for example, Moore County, Tennessee, prohibits alcohol sales.
Furthermore, several counties and cities operate under their own rules, which may include dry hours and Sunday restrictions that ultimately affect retailers such as Walmart from selling alcohol.
Dry Counties Are Common in Southern States
Walmart, headquartered in Arkansas, is subject to the highest restrictions in its own state, where roughly 30 of 75 counties either have full or partial dry status.
- Some of the dry counties in Arkansas include Ashley County, Columbia County, Union County, Marion County, Bradley County, Dallas County, Cleveland County, etc.
- Additionally, the states of Texas, Kentucky, and Mississippi have numerous counties that are dry with restrictions that extend into some rural areas.
- Several portions of Idaho, Alaska, and Florida have localized bans on the sale of wine, beer, and spirits.
- It seems a double whammy for local dwellers who love to enjoy a moment with spirits, as they have to purchase it from the nearest wet/moist county.
- Tennessee is the home to the world-renowned and top-selling whiskey Jack Daniel’s, whereas Kentucky is famous for the bourbon-flavoured whiskey Jim Beam.
Walmart has to comply with the laws of each state and its respective counties.
Notably, the mid-Atlantic state of Maryland continues to have a ban on alcohol sales in grocery stores. It was first enacted in 1978. However, several local lawmakers are pushing forward to revoke the ban.
Why Walmart Can’t Sell Liquor in Texas
Texas is another major exception for Walmart, as the Walton Family-led hypermarket operator has not been able to secure a favorable case. Walmart deliberately wants to sell alcohol, but a unique Texas law prevents it from obtaining a liquor license, wherein companies with over 35 shareholders are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages.
About 11 years ago in 2015, Walmart sued the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), challenging the law. In 2018, a federal judge ruled in favor of Walmart, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision and eventually upheld the state’s restrictions. Following this, the Supreme Court refused to hear subsequent requests by Walmart.
These days, Texans still can’t get hard liquor from Walmart, as it is only allowed to sell beer and wine, while the restriction on public companies continues.
Other States Where Walmart Can’t Sell Alcohol
At the end of the day, the sale of alcoholic beverages is particularly subject to the state’s own regulations and corresponding laws in the counties. In Rhode Island, New Jersey, Alaska, and Delaware, you may find Walmart stores with a prohibition on alcohol sales in the grocery store format.
Not every Walmart location is licensed to sell alcohol, which can be frustrating for shoppers.
List of States Where Walmart Can Sell Alcohol
Walmart stores in states of Arizona, California, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Washington, Wyoming, Nebraska, Illinois, Nevada, Hawaii, South Dakota, Louisiana, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Ohio, New Mexico and Indiana can sell alcohol.
In all these states, Walmart can sell alcohol, including wine, beer, and hard liquor such as Vodka, Tequila, and whiskey.
On the other hand, Walmart stores in states of Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, Idaho, Alabama, New Hampshire, Colorado, Kansas, South Carolina, Vermont, Maine, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts may only sell wine and beer, subject to local restrictions and some exceptions.
Spirits are sold separately as no, and hard liquor sale is allowed through grocery stores.
Please Note: these lists are not exhaustive and the availability of alcohol at these places can vary according to local laws and is further subject to county-wise exceptions.
New CEO’s Stance
The new Walmart CEO, John Furner, has not made any statements regarding limitations or restrictions on alcohol sales in various parts of the U.S. He has rather aligned his focus with broader objectives, including modernizing the supply chain network and the company-wide integration of AI practices.
Walmart’s Policy on Sale of Alcohol
“Walmart prohibits the sale of most alcoholic beverages and products on its Marketplace. In addition, federal law strictly prohibits individuals from producing distilled spirits at home, therefore, such products are also prohibited from sale on Walmart Marketplace”, the company has stated on its website.
- Walmart offers alcohol pickup and delivery in selected markets, subject to local restrictions.
- Customers can check for the availability of alcohol in their neighborhood by entering a delivery address.
- Walmart has made it very clear that no alcohol will be dispensed to anyone under 21 years of age.
- Similar prohibition is applicable on a person who appears to be intoxicated, or someone purchasing alcoholic beverages on behalf of a minor.
Besides this, the availability of alcohol pickup and delivery is likely to vary if a state or county has restrictions on alcohol sales during specific hours of the day.
