With package stores permitted to open on Sundays from 10:00am to 5:00pm, persons shopping for their New Year’s Eve celebration this year have Sunday, December 30th and Monday (New Year’s Eve, December 31st) to purchase liquor in stores. Package stores must remain closed Tuesday, New Year’s Day, and no grocery stores may sell beer on that day.
Connecticut law allows drinks to be sold until 3:00 a.m. on the morning of January 1 in bars, restaurants, clubs and other establishments. However, any town, by vote or local ordinance, may have reduced its locally permissible hours. In such towns, the reduced hours mandated by local governance take precedence over State law.
On New Year’s Day, restaurants, bars, cafes, casinos (food must be available) may serve liquor as their permits allow for normal operation.
Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein is asking the public to be thoughtful and cautious over the holiday.
“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,” Rubenstein said. “We offer our best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy and safe holiday.”
The Department of Consumer Protection, through the State Liquor Control Commission, oversees all sales of liquor in the State of Connecticut. As Commissioner of Consumer Protection, Rubenstein is Chairman of the Liquor Control Commission.
