What You Need to Know About Alcohol Hours in Arizona

A Gallup’s study reveals that despite the common belief that ‘drinking in moderation is safe’, data show that nine out of ten American young adults are convinced that alcohol use is harmful to those who consume it.  The Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act of 1984 sets the minimum legal drinking age to 21 and every state abides by that standard.

Each state in the US has their own laws about drinking and alcohol hours. For instance, Arizona’s alcohol hours allow licensed establishments to sell liquor at a certain period of time, except from 2 am to 6 am, in order to protect the safety of residents while simultaneously advocating for responsible alcohol consumption.

If you are in AZ, this post will help you understand the alcohol hours in the state and the penalties for violating them.

Legal Drinking Age in Arizona

Just like in many states, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol in Arizona. This law is strictly enforced to promote responsible drinking and ensure the safety of individuals. If you’re under 21, it’s illegal to attempt to buy alcohol or to fake your identity just to obtain it. 

You must be aware of the legal drinking age to avoid serious consequences such as fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment for violating the law. DUI lawyer Christopher J. McCann says legal drinking age is in place to protect your well-being and the well-being of others. Make sure you always bring a valid ID to prove your age when purchasing alcohol. 

By complying with the legal drinking age, you take part in contributing to a safer and more responsible drinking culture in Arizona. If you believe you accidentally violated this law in your state, you can always reach out to a DUI lawyer who will tell you what you should do to protect your rights.

Hours for Purchasing Alcohol

Alcohol sales hours in Arizona vary by establishment. Alcohol can be bought at liquor stores and supermarkets from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday. Sunday alcohol sales are allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. However, Arizona cities and counties may have their own alcohol sales hours, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

When it comes to bars and restaurants, alcohol can generally be purchased and served from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. every day of the week. These establishments may have the option to extend their hours with special licensing, allowing them to serve alcohol later into the night. 

To avoid encountering any issue, always check with the specific bar or restaurant regarding their service hours. 

Locations Where Alcohol Can Be Consumed

In Arizona, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages at licensed establishments, which are given the permit to serve alcohol on their premises, such as bars, restaurants, and clubs. Many restaurants also permit patrons to bring their own wine or beer, but this is subject to the restaurant’s individual policies and any relevant laws.

Consuming alcohol in public places like parks, streets, or parking lots is generally prohibited in the state. However, some cities may have designated areas or special events where alcohol consumption is allowed in public.

Arizona has specific rules regarding alcohol consumption in vehicles. An open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a moving vehicle is illegal. This law applies to both drivers and passengers, so it’s necessary to keep alcoholic beverages sealed and out of reach while driving.

Last Call and Serving Hours

In Arizona, establishments serving alcohol must stop serving at 2:00 a.m. every day of the week. This means that the last call for alcohol is typically around 1:30 a.m. to ensure compliance with the law. 

These strict last call and serving hours are in place to promote responsible drinking and reduce alcohol-related incidents. Establishments can provide patrons with a safer drinking environment when they adhere to the state’s regulations.

Penalties for Violating Alcohol Laws

Breaking Arizona’s alcohol regulations can result in sanctions for individuals and businesses. If you break these laws, you could be fined, lose your alcohol license, or be arrested. Individuals can be fined up to $2,500 for supplying alcohol to minors and jailed for future offenses. Drivers under 21 caught with any amount of alcohol can lose their license for two years.

Establishments that serve alcohol also face severe consequences for breaking Arizona’s alcohol laws. These penalties may include fines, suspension or revocation of their liquor license, or even closure of the establishment. 

Conclusion

Now you know the ins and outs of alcohol hours in Arizona. Keep in mind that the legal drinking age is 21, and alcohol can only be purchased at certain times and locations. Be sure to respect the last call and serving hours to avoid penalties for violating alcohol laws. 

Stay informed and drink responsibly!

Photo by Ries Bosch on Unsplash

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