Alcohol Sales Permitted Today, Monday; Stores Closed Tuesday

If you’ve waited until the last minute to buy champagne for your big New Year’s Eve toast, you’re in luck; you’ll be able to pick up a bottle of bubbly on Sunday or Monday, according to state law.

With package stores permitted to open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., people shopping for their New Year’s Eve celebration this year have Sunday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Dec. 31, to purchase liquor in stores, according to the state department of consumer protection.

In May, state legislators and the governor repelled the state’s Blue Laws and for the first time in decades allowed alcohol to be sold on Sundays. The law does not apply to holidays, though. Package stores will be remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, per state law and no grocery stores may sell beer on that day, according to a department release.

Don’t want to have everyone over to your house? Here is some information about what you could expect if you’re out on the town celebrating on Dec. 31.

According to consumer protection, which also oversees all sales of liquor in the state, the law allows drinks to be sold until 3 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 1 in bars, restaurants, clubs and other establishments. But, keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that all establishments will stay open that late. Local ordinance is what really dictates locally permissible hours so if the town you’re in has a law of it’s own on the local books the hours could be reduced.

On New Year’s Day, restaurants, bars, cafes, casinos (food must be available) may serve liquor as their permits allow for normal operation.

Regardless of where or how you celebrate, please keep the words of Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein in mind:

“I urge everyone to guard against needless tragedy – please drink responsibly, don’t drink and drive, and don’t serve or provide alcohol to anyone who appears intoxicated or is under the age of 21.”

“We offer our best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy and safe holiday,” Rubenstein added.

Stumped on where to purchase that bottle of champagne? Check out the Windsor Locks-East Windsor Patch directory for a list of grocery and package stores in the towns.