Imagine browsing Walmart armed with your list and the intent to find everything in one convenient stop, but as you browse its vast array of products, one question pops up: Does Walmart Sell Alcohol? This question has plagued us for quite some time, so today, I want to provide my insight and research.
Walmart sells alcohol. However, it does not sell alcohol in New Jersey, Alaska, Delaware, Rhode Island or Utah. Due to the wide variety in state law, Walmart begins and ends selling liquor at variable times in different regions. Before purchasing alcohol through Walmart.com, be sure it’s legal in your residence and provide valid government-issued photo identification to confirm your age when picking it up.
Can I Buy Alcohol At All Walmart Stores?
Walmart sells alcohol and an assortment of alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer, vodka, gin mixers, tequila, whisky liqueurs at its stores across America. Alcohol availability at most locations varies based on local laws and regulations.
There may be exceptions, such as state regulations restricting sales from supermarkets or non-state liquor stores containing liquor products (i.e., when selling at Walmart stores).
Walmart does not currently sell alcohol in New Jersey, Alaska, Delaware, Rhode Island or Utah due to varying state regulations that restrict alcohol sales in various establishments.
Every state may impose unique legislation regarding their sale at Walmart; availability and selection can differ between locations.
I’ve experienced that alcohol is difficult to find in states such as Pennsylvania or Texas. However, alcohol is readily available at Walmart retail stores throughout New York.
It can be a hassle, particularly if you’re traveling to a new area and want the quickest way to purchase alcohol!
What Kind of Alcohol Can I Buy At Walmart?
Walmart stores typically stock various alcohol products, including beer, wine, and liquor.
Liquor availability depends upon each store location and regional regulations or state restrictions in that particular state or region.
Walmart stores in certain states are allowed to sell all forms of alcohol. Customers can find an assortment of vodka, whiskey, and rum available.
In other states, however, Walmart stores may face restrictions regarding the sale of liquor – in such locations, beer and wine sales may only be allowed, while any spirits (liquor) may be forbidden.
Customers in those locations will find beer and wine selections but need access to liquor options.
Notably, Walmart strictly follows state and regional restrictions regarding these restrictions in each location it operates in. Walmart respects local laws and guidelines when acting within these limitations.
The following states permit the sale of liquor within grocery stores (including Walmart):
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Washington
- South Dakota
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Nebraska
- Missouri
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Hawaii
- California
- Arizona
If you live in one of these states, it may be presumed that Walmart is legally permitted to sell wine and beer. If your state isn’t included on this list, you cannot purchase liquor at Walmart. However, you might have the option of buying wine and beer.
Alcohol Prices At Walmart Stores
Walmart alcohol pricing varies significantly by state. Different states impose various regulations and restrictions that affect how much alcohol costs.
For instance, California may impose limits that make competing with other retailers difficult for Walmart.
However, if you live in an “off-control state” such as Washington State and your local Walmart is offering discounted alcohol products at lower prices than elsewhere, like Safeway does (e.g., 750mL bottle of Jack Daniels is currently listed at $20.98 on Walmart while Safeway sells it for $24.99), shopping Walmart could potentially help save you money when looking for your favorite brand of liquor.
You can always take a look at Walmart buy now pay later offer to make your purchases here more affordable!
Is Alcohol Cheaper At Walmart As Compared To Other Stores?
In the case of alcohol, you’ll only get a few bargains. Walmart offers alcohol that’s significantly less expensive than other stores. The only exception to this rule is if the state in which you reside regulates the price of alcohol.
A 12-pack of 12-ounce alcohol-based drinks in cans typically costs between $17.99 and $18.99 at a liquor shop. It is possible to purchase the exact item from Walmart for just $13.99!
Who Is Allowed To Buy Alcohol At Walmart?
Although Walmart sells alcohol-based drinks in its stores that sell groceries, you’ll need help to walk in and buy your spirits, beers, or wine.
To stop liquor from getting to the wrong people, every state has regulations and rules concerning the sale and consumption of alcohol. For instance, Walmart’s policy on alcohol sales restricts the individuals who can purchase alcohol-based beverages.
- You must be able to show proof of identity, such as an official driver’s license, military ID, passport or other identification, to prove you’re not an underage person. You can only purchase beer at Walmart once you’ve established that you’re 18 years old or older.
- In general, consumers have to be 21 or older to purchase alcohol legally. There are, however, few exceptions to this norm.
- States that permit consumers to purchase alcohol only 18 years old legally, such as Ohio, Kansas, South Dakota, and Oklahoma
- Remember that even if you are over 18, however, you are legally required to present identification if you are asked to provide identification when buying alcohol.
So, shoppers who purchase alcohol at Walmart cannot purchase alcohol when needed to show ID but cannot present. This applies to all those who are older than 21.
What Time Does Walmart Sell Alcohol?
In certain States, Walmart may sell alcohol anytime during opening hours. In other states, like South Carolina, Walmart has to stop selling alcohol at 7 pm in compliance with the state’s law.
Due to the wide variety in state law, Walmart begins and ends selling liquor from different states to state and, sometimes, between other counties within that state.
The majority of Walmart supercenters will sell alcohol during store hours. However, some states and counties restrict the times you purchase liquor at Walmart.
Certain states also prohibit liquor sales on Sundays, which Walmart must work with. Some states restrict sales of alcohol on Sundays, while others provide specific hours to allow alcohol sales.
For instance, you cannot purchase spirits at Walmart on Sundays in Nebraska and Mississippi; your local Walmart will offer alcohol until noon on Sundays.
Walmart Alcohol Policy During Self-Checkout
Counters for self-checkout are rapidly getting popular in almost all Walmart stores nationwide. The benefit of self-checkout is that customers don’t have to stand in line due to the more counters available and automated machines that can scan purchases.
You can purchase alcohol at Walmart at the Self-Checkout. After scanning the items, you must verify your age by presenting your driver’s license or photo identification.
If your Walmart stores sell alcohol and you can purchase alcohol at the self-checkout.
Walmart Alcohol Delivery Services and Rules
Before purchasing alcohol through Walmart.com, be sure it’s legal in your residence and provide valid government-issued photo identification to confirm your age when picking it up. Otherwise, any alcohol included will be removed, and you will receive a full refund.
Walmart.com provides clear guidelines regarding its sale of alcohol. They include the following points.
- Age Verification: Anyone under 21 cannot purchase alcohol on this website.
- ID Requirement: For delivery and pickup orders, Walmart requires customers to present valid government-issued photo identification to validate their age and confirm delivery or pickup details. If this cannot be provided successfully, Walmart may take appropriate action against the individual concerned.
- Photo Identification: Walmart will return your entire order to its store if you cannot present valid photo identification during delivery.
- Pickup Orders: If you cannot present valid photo identification during pickup, Walmart will remove alcohol from your order and cancel.
- Walmart may refuse to sell alcohol if you appear drunk, in this instance.
- Marketing to Minors: Walmart will not complete your alcohol sale to someone under 21 years of age if there seems to be evidence that this transaction could occur.
- Local and state regulations may impose restrictions on the sale of alcohol during certain business hours. Complying with any such legislation or regulations when purchasing from Walmart.com is essential.
Walmart Alcohol Return Policy
Walmart has a return policy for alcohol but you can only do so by following these conditions.
- To return the alcohol to Walmart, the container has to be sealed and unopened.
- You must return it with the original receipt from the store you purchased directly.
- Alcohol purchases are not able to be returned by mail. They cannot be returned if opened, consumed, manipulated, or altered. Walmart will also only accept alcohol returns with a receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart sells alcohol. But, as you observe, it’s more complex than the other stores.
- The question of whether or not Walmart sells alcohol is dependent on the location you reside in and what laws in your state govern the selling of alcohol.
- While prohibition is no longer in effect, however, sales of alcohol are highly regulated by the direction of the state, and Walmart must adhere to all the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Walmart also sell alcohol test strips online?
Absolutely! “Yes.it is possible to search and explore alcohol test strips at Walmart’s official website Walmart.com, offering convenient shopping access from home – which means finding and browsing products like alcohol test strips can be quickly done!
Can I buy Alcohol at Walmart on Sundays?
Yes, with some limited exceptions due to state laws. Tennessee, Montana, Utah, Pennsylvania and North Carolina prohibit alcohol sales on Sundays. As a result, Walmart stores located within these states may not sell alcohol due to specific state authorities’ regulations preventing this practice.
Does Walmart sell Alcohol on Christmas Day?
Yes. If you reside in an area where Walmart is permitted to sell alcohol, you’ll be able to buy alcohol at Walmart during the Christmas season. The time you can buy your alcohol, however, could be restricted.
Does Walmart sell wine in PA?
Yes, Walmart is now offering wine and beer within Pennsylvania.
Jeannine Mancini, a Florida native, has been writing business and personal finance articles since 2003. Her articles have been published in the Florida Today and Orlando Sentinel. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education from the University of Central Florida.