Liquor sales in California are regulated by state law, with permitted hours for both on-premises (bars, restaurants) and off-premises (liquor stores, supermarkets) consumption. Alcoholic beverages can be sold from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following day, seven days a week. Selling, giving, delivering, or purchasing alcohol between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited and considered a misdemeanor offense under California Business & Professions Code § 25631[1][2][3].
These regulations generally apply to the entire state; however, individual cities or counties may impose more restrictive local ordinances, so it’s advisable to check with the specific jurisdiction or establishment for local variations[3].
Main points regarding California liquor operating hours:
- On-premises sales (bars, restaurants): Alcohol can be sold and served from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
- Off-premises sales (liquor stores, markets): Alcohol can also be sold from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
- No sales, gifts, or deliveries of alcoholic beverages are allowed between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. statewide.
- On days when the clock changes for daylight saving time, “2:00 a.m.” is defined as two hours after midnight, regardless of time changes[1][2].
- Deliveries from manufacturers, wholesalers, or distributors to retail licensees are allowed between 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., except on Sundays[1].
- Penalties for violating the permitted hours may include misdemeanors, fines, and potential jail time.
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