With the list of products and services offered by Walmart seemingly never-ending, you may be wondering if you can bypass a trip to the liquor store and stock up on spirits at a discount price during your next Walmart run.
Many people have asked the same question–with a straightforward “yes” or “no” impossible to come by. Here is what I discovered.
Does Walmart Sell Alcohol?
Walmart sells alcohol, including beer, wine, vodka, gin, whisky, rum, tequila, mixers, and liqueurs in 47 states. However, the range of alcohol available at Walmart can differ depending on your state and county. Customers can purchase alcohol between 8 am – 12 pm in most Walmart stores nationwide.
When determining if alcohol is sold at Walmart, it is impossible to know what to expect without knowing your state’s specific liquor laws.
However, if your state allows it to be sold in supermarkets, Walmart will sell it. Read on for a breakdown as to what alcohol you can expect to be available at your local Walmart.
What Walmart Locations Sell Alcohol?
Most states allow the sale of beer and wine and grocery stores, meaning that these products will be available at Walmart.
Some states have ABV restrictions on beer sold in supermarkets, with others limiting the times and days in which beer and wine sales are permissible.
However, Alaska, Delaware, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Rhode Island are the only states where some form of beer or wine purchase is unlikely to be available in a Walmart Supercenter.
The sale of distilled spirits is much more restricted, with only certain states allowing it.
This article has a few maps which illustrate which states allow what type of alcohol to be sold through a grocery store. But the best way to find out if your state allows it is to check your own state laws.
If you live in any of these states, you will not be able to purchase hard liquor at Walmart.
Does Walmart Sell Alcohol On Sundays?
Yes, Walmart does sell alcohol on Sundays at most of their 10,800 stores in the United States. Typically, customers can purchase alcohol on Sundays within the normal Walmart opening hours.
However, depending on your state and county, certain Walmart stores do have limited hours and restrictions for selling alcohol on Sundays.
Is Alcohol Cheaper at Walmart?
Unless alcohol prices are controlled by the state, and if alcohol is offered at Walmart, it will likely be considerably cheaper than the same offering at a specialty liquor store.
By being able to buy and sell in mass quantities, Walmart is able to attain profitability through smaller margins and higher volume–a formula that smaller, independent liquor stores cannot employ.
The rise in popularity of hard seltzers makes for easy comparison. A standard 12-pack of 12-ounce cans that would cost between $17.99 and $18.99 at a small liquor store will likely be found at Walmart for between $13.99 and $14.99 for the exact same product.
Does Walmart Offer All Brands of Alcohol?
If the sale is permitted in your state, Walmart will offer a strong selection of brands at an affordable price. Walmart has even publicly marketed the increased availability of craft beers at many of its locations.
However, due to the mass retail atmosphere, it will likely be difficult to find top-shelf liquors, vintage wines; or small, easily shoplifted quantities available at most locations.
What is Required to Buy Alcohol at Walmart?
Just like at any liquor store, patrons must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid government-issued photo ID in order to be able to purchase liquor and cigarettes from Walmart.
Customers can even purchase alcohol at self-serve kiosks, pending age verification from an associate. Walmart associates are required to obtain identification from anyone who appears to be under 40 years old.
Does Walmart Deliver Alcohol?
Yes, Walmart does deliver alcohol, provided that the proper identification is presented upon delivery. However, Walmart does prohibit delivery in some circumstances, so you must follow strict rules:
- Provide a government-issued ID
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Be present to receive the order
In addition, Walmart can refuse to deliver to you if you appear intoxicated or if they have reason to suspect you are supplying the alcohol to a minor.
Also, If you have made a Walmart order that you want to cancel, you can see my step-by-step guide here.
To learn more, you can see our other guides on if you can buy alcohol with a Walmart gift card, if Dollar General sells alcohol, and if Costco delivers Alcohol.
