Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Alcohol laws are strictly imposed in Wisconsin and other states in the US to regulate buying, selling, drinking, and serving alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and liquor.
If you are new to the state or planning to visit America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin’s window hours for alcohol sales can be confusing, especially since they have certain classifications.
So, what time can you buy alcohol in Wisconsin? Read on to find out.
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ToggleWhat Time Can You Legally Buy Alcohol In Wisconsin?
You can legally buy alcohol in Wisconsin as early as 6:00 AM and as late as 2:00 AM.
However, the window hours for alcohol sales depend on the classification as mandated by the state.
There are four classifications of licensed alcohol sellers in Wisconsin:
- Wholesalers – People other than manufacturers who sell alcohol at wholesale
- Example: Distributors
- Class A Retailers – Retailers who sell alcohol in original packages and containers
- Example: Liquor stores or Grocery stores with liquor sections
- Class B Retailers – Retailers who sell alcohol by the glass, not in original packages or tamper-evident seal, and for consumption on their premises
- Example: Restaurants, taverns, and beer bars
- Class C Retailers– Retailers of wine by the glass or opened original containers on their premises.
- Example: Restaurants
You can buy alcohol from Class A, B, and C retailers as early as 6:00 AM (given that they are open). However, you have to wait until 8:00 AM to buy alcohol from wholesalers in Wisconsin.
In addition, the municipal governing body can impose more restrictive limits on alcohol sales.
When Can You Buy Alcohol In Wisconsin?
Weekdays
Opening Hours:
For wholesalers, the opening hours start at 8:00 AM. On the other hand, for Classes A, B, and C, the opening hours start at 6:00 AM.
Closing Hours:
For wholesalers, no premises can sell alcohol between 5:00 PM- 8:00 AM.
No premises should sell intoxicating liquor for Class A retailers from 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM. While for Class B, and C, no premises can sell between 2:00 AM – 6:00 AM but with additional limitations:
- No premises should sell intoxicating liquor between 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM for Class B.
- For Class B and C, no premises are allowed to sell 12:00 MN to 6:00 AM for fermented malt beverages and carry out liquor in original packaging.
- For temporary Class B license holders, no person should serve wine after 9:00 PM on the premises.
- In addition, on January 1, Class B retailers are not required to close.
Saturdays
On Saturdays, you can buy alcohol in Wisconsin as early as 6:00 AM until 2:30 AM in Class A, B, and C retailers.
However, it will be best to remember that carry-out liquors and fermented malted beverages can only be sold until midnight.
In addition, wholesalers can extend their alcohol sales until 9:00 PM.
Read: Until What Time Can You Buy Alcohol In Ohio?
Sundays
On Sundays, you can buy alcohol in Wisconsin as early as 6:00 AM until 2:30 AM in Class B and C retailers.
For Wholesalers, the sale can be extended until 9:00 PM.
For Class B and C, the sale can be extended until 3:30 AM on Sundays when daylight saving begins. However, it does not apply to Class B issued to a winery.
What Is The Earliest Time You Can Buy Alcohol In Wisconsin?
The earliest time you can buy alcohol in Wisconsin is 6:00 AM, but that only applies to Class A, B, and C retailers and with limitations.
“We not only have a lot of bars in Wisconsin compared to the rest of the nation but more places that sell alcohol,”
– Maureen Busalacchi, Director of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project
The earliest time you can buy alcohol in wholesalers is 8:00 AM.
Why Can’t You Buy Alcohol After 9 PM In Wisconsin?
You cannot buy alcohol after 9:00 PM in Wisconsin because the state law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages in Class A and intoxicating liquor in Class B retailers.
The state does not allow the sale of liquor after 9:00 PM, depending on the classification and type of alcohol sold at the store. But what time does Walmart stop selling alcoholic beverages?
Where Can You Buy Beer After 9 PM In Wisconsin?
You can buy beer after 9:00 PM in Class B retailers like restaurants, taverns, and beer bars.
Since the Class B retailers sell alcohol with tamper-evident seals or by the glass, you can buy beer after 9:00 PM.
However, selling fermented malt beverages in their original packaging is allowed until midnight only.
Read: Does Walgreen Sell Liquor?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you drink at 18 with a parent in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can drink at 18 with a parent in Wisconsin [1].
Based on the Updated 2021−2022 Wis. Stats 125.07.1 and 2, an underage person can drink alcoholic beverages if accompanied by their parents who have attained the legal drinking age.
What is bar time in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not have a statewide mandated closing time for bars; instead, the decision is left to local jurisdictions. In many places, bars close at 2:00 AM, aligning with the common closing time in the United States.
However, certain cities may have different regulations, and establishments in some areas might close earlier or later. It’s advisable to check local ordinances or contact specific venues for accurate information on bar closing times in a particular Wisconsin location.
Can you drink at midnight on your 21st birthday in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can legally purchase and consume alcohol at midnight on your 21st birthday in Wisconsin.
When the clock strikes midnight at the start of your 21st birthday, you are considered of legal drinking age, and you can participate in the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages without any restrictions.
Do gas stations sell beer in Wisconsin?
Yes, gas stations in Wisconsin are permitted to sell beer. Unlike some states with more restrictive alcohol sales regulations, Wisconsin allows the sale of beer at gas stations and convenience stores.
However, the sale of spirits (hard liquor) is generally limited to liquor stores and certain licensed retailers. It’s important to note that alcohol sales regulations can evolve, so it’s advisable to verify current laws and regulations.
How late can you buy alcohol in Minnesota?
The closing time for alcohol sales in Minnesota varies based on the type of establishment and the day of the week.
Liquor stores typically close at 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and at 6:00 PM on Sundays.
However, bars and restaurants have the option to serve alcohol until 2:00 AM every day, except for Sundays when they must cease alcohol service by 1:00 AM.
What time can you buy alcohol in Illinois?
In Illinois, the legal hours for purchasing alcohol are regulated by local ordinances. Generally, liquor stores can sell alcohol from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, seven days a week.
However, these hours may vary by municipality, so it’s advisable to check local regulations to ensure accurate information regarding alcohol sales times in a specific area.
Can you drink in public in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin allows the consumption of alcohol in public places unless local ordinances specifically prohibit it. This means that, in many areas, it is legal to drink alcohol in public spaces such as parks or festivals.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of and adhere to local regulations, as some municipalities may have restrictions or require permits for public alcohol consumption.
Can I buy beer at Walmart in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can purchase beer at Walmart in Wisconsin. Walmart, like many other retailers in the state, is licensed to sell beer. Wisconsin has relatively liberal alcohol sales laws, allowing the sale of beer in grocery stores, supermarkets, and big-box retailers.
While Walmart offers a selection of beers, it’s important to note that the sale of spirits (hard liquor) is typically restricted to liquor stores and certain licensed retailers in Wisconsin.
Keep in mind that specific product availability and store policies may vary, so it’s advisable to check with the specific Walmart location for the most accurate information.
Can I buy beer in Wisconsin on Sunday?
Wisconsin allows the sale of beer on Sundays. The state has relaxed regulations on Sunday alcohol sales, permitting the purchase of beer and other alcoholic beverages at retail outlets, including grocery stores and liquor stores, on Sundays.
Can you buy alcohol at night in America?
The ability to buy alcohol at night in America depends on the state and local regulations.
In many places, liquor stores and retail outlets that sell alcohol have specific closing hours, commonly ranging from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
However, these hours can vary widely based on state laws and local ordinances, with some areas having more restrictive closing times, especially on Sundays. Bars and restaurants often have later closing times, typically serving alcohol until 2:00 AM.
Why does Minnesota not sell alcohol on Sunday?
Minnesota historically had restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales due to laws that prohibited the retail sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays.
These laws were rooted in a combination of religious and historical factors, reflecting a tradition of observing Sundays as a day of rest.
However, in 2017, Minnesota lifted the ban on Sunday liquor sales, allowing liquor stores to operate and sell alcohol on Sundays. The change was a response to evolving consumer preferences and the desire for increased convenience.
What time can you buy alcohol in Missouri?
Alcohol sales regulations, including the hours during which alcohol can be sold, vary by state and locality.
In Missouri, the legal hours for purchasing alcohol depend on the type of establishment. Liquor stores generally have set hours, often closing by 1:30 AM, while bars and restaurants may serve alcohol until 1:30 AM.
However, these hours can differ, and local ordinances may further regulate alcohol sales times, so it’s recommended to check specific state and local laws for the most accurate information regarding alcohol purchasing hours in Missouri.
What time is alcohol sold in Chicago?
Alcohol sales hours in Chicago are regulated by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Generally, liquor stores and retail outlets can sell alcohol from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, seven days a week.
However, these hours may vary based on local ordinances, so it’s advisable to check specific regulations for the area in question.
What time can you buy liquor in Chicago?
Liquor sales hours in Chicago follow the regulations set by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Retailers, including liquor stores, can sell liquor from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, seven days a week.
It’s important to note that these hours are subject to local ordinances, and some areas may have additional restrictions, so checking specific regulations for the locality is recommended.
Can a passenger drink in a car in Wisconsin?
Passengers are generally allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in a moving vehicle in Wisconsin. While the state prohibits open intoxicants for the driver, passengers are not subject to the same restrictions.
However, it’s crucial to note that laws can change, and local ordinances may vary, so it’s advisable to verify the current regulations to ensure accurate information regarding alcohol consumption in vehicles in Wisconsin.
Is BYOB legal in Wisconsin?
Yes, Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) is legal in Wisconsin, but with certain conditions and restrictions. Some restaurants and establishments permit patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages to consume on the premises, provided that the establishment does not hold a liquor license, and the local jurisdiction allows for BYOB policies.
It’s essential to check with the specific establishment and local regulations to confirm whether BYOB is permitted in a given area of Wisconsin.
Additionally, even in BYOB-friendly establishments, corkage fees or other regulations may apply, so it’s advisable to inquire about any specific rules in place.
So, What Time Can You Buy Alcohol in Wisconsin?
You can buy alcohol in Wisconsin as early as 6:00 AM on Class A, B, and C premises, but you must wait until 8:00 AM for Wholesalers to be allowed to sell alcohol.
When the clock strikes 5:00 PM, wholesalers cannot sell alcohol. For Class A retailers, the last call is at 9:00 PM, but for Class B and C, they can sell until 2:00 AM but with limitations.
Wisconsin takes alcohol sales law seriously as it strictly imposes window hours of alcohol sales. However, the municipalities can impose more restrictive limits, and that’s their call [2].
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