Late night drinking

shadowcat
Atlanta suburb
Since I am never out that late anymore. These clubs that stay open until 3 or 4 or 6AM. Can they still serve alcohol that late or do they have to resort to non alcoholic drinks after a certain time?

19 comments

Latest

SlickSpic
11 years ago
Shadow, shit ain't changed here in Cali since you've left. It's 2 AM and you're done. They have a Deja Vu Afterhours in LA that stays open until 5 or 6 AM. I've never been.
crazyjoe
11 years ago
In Denver bars can't serve alcohol after 2:00 am. Shotgun Willy's is open until 4:00 am on weekends. At 2:00 am they go around and pick up all drinks and glasses and switch to a different kind of glasses after that. Non alcoholic drinks are served after that.
motorhead
11 years ago
Ban clocks.
SlickSpic
11 years ago
@Moto-Haha. Ban daylight savings.
crazyjoe
11 years ago
^^^agreed
toysales
11 years ago
Its pretty much the same everywhere. 2am alcohol cutoff. But I've seen some of the dives continue to serve.
Alucard
11 years ago
2 AM cutoff is correct.
shadowcat
11 years ago
2AM is not the absolute nationwide.

State-specific laws[edit]
Alabama: 2a.m.
Alaska: 5 a.m.; while most cities restrict this further, some do not (primarily smaller Matanuska-Susitna Valley towns), and some villages are dry.
Arizona: 2 a.m.
Arkansas: 2 a.m.
California: 2 a.m. (up to 4 a.m. in after-hours establishments)
Colorado: 2 a.m.
Connecticut: 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. 3 a.m. New Year's Eve (Day)
Delaware: 1 a.m.
District of Columbia: 3 a.m. on Friday night, Saturday night, and the night before a federal or D.C. holiday; 4 a.m. on the night of New Year's Eve and the beginning of daylight saving time;[10] 2 a.m. other nights.[11]
Florida: Last call set statewide to 2 a.m., some cities have passed exemptions to the law, notably Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County[12] (3 a.m.), Broward county (4 a.m.) and Miami (24 hours in the Miami Entertainment District). Liquor store closing times vary by county.
Georgia: Varies by county (most are set at 2 a.m., while others may have different times or no time at all). In Atlanta most bars are allowed to close at 2:30 a.m., but Underground Atlanta can operate until 4 a.m.
Hawaii: 4 a.m., however not all bars qualify for a 4 a.m. license and must close at 2 a.m.
Idaho: 2 a.m.
Illinois: 1 a.m. through 3 a.m., varies by municipality. In Chicago for regular license bars 2 a.m. Sunday through Friday with 3 a.m. Saturday. Some bars have a late night license allowing to close two hours later so 4 a.m. Sunday through Friday with 5 a.m. Saturday.
Indiana: 3 a.m. (used to be 12:30 on Sundays, but not anymore)
Iowa: 2 a.m.
Kansas: 2 a.m. (in the 17 counties which allow bars without limitation)
Kentucky: 2 a.m
Louisiana: There is no set statewide closing time. Bars may remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except, Louisiana law provides:

"The governing authority of any municipality within a parish [Louisiana has parishes instead of counties] with a population between fifty-three thousand and fifty-seven thousand persons according to the most recent federal decennial census may enact ordinances to regulate the closing times of bars located within the municipality, subject to approval by a majority of the qualified electors of the municipality voting at an election held for the purpose."
Maine: 1 a.m.
Maryland: 2 a.m.
Massachusetts: 2 a.m., although cities and towns can (and frequently do) set last call earlier. Alcohol sales stop 30 minutes prior to closing time.
Michigan: 2 a.m.
Minnesota: 2 a.m., but many cities have a 1 a.m. restriction.
Mississippi: 12:00 Midnight or 1:00 a.m.; depending on city. Larger metro areas usually adhere to "After Midnight" policy. Most Casinos do not have a last call.
Missouri: 1:30 a.m. in most of the state; 3:00 a.m. in specially-licensed establishments in the two largest metropolises of St. Louis and Kansas City, and their surrounding areas.
Montana: Last call for bars and taverns is around 1:30 a.m. However, one can purchase beer from many local gas stations and grocery stores until 2 a.m. State law reads, "Agency liquor stores may remain open during the period between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m." In spite of this, most liquor stores close on or before 10 p.m. with the exception of casino/liquor stores.
Nebraska: 1 a.m.; except for municipalities (Omaha & Lincoln) are allowed to stay open until 2am.
Nevada: There is no set statewide closing time. Bars may remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
New Hampshire: Statewide is 1:00 a.m., bars must close at 1:30 a.m. Most call last call at 12:45 a.m.
New Jersey: No statewide closing time. Most municipalities set their last call at 2 a.m. Atlantic City serves 24 hours.
New Mexico: 2 a.m.
New York: Under state law, establishments must stop serving alcohol by 4 a.m., however the actual closing time is left up to each of New York's 62 counties. The 4 a.m. time holds in New York City, but clubs and bars may stay open without serving alcohol; they may start serving at 7 a.m. except on Sunday, when sales begin at noon. Last call is also 4 a.m. in Saratoga Springs, Buffalo, and Albany. Binghamton has a last call of 3 a.m., Syracuse and Rochester have a time of 2 a.m., and Elmira, Geneva, and Ithaca have a time of 1 a.m. Rural counties may be even earlier.
North Carolina: Last call is 2 a.m. statewide. On weekdays and Saturday alcohol can be sold beginning at 7 a.m., on Sunday alcohol sales begin at noon. Liquor stores (ABC) Closed on Sundays.
North Dakota: 1 a.m., however recent legislation allows each county and city by local option to set a 2 a.m. closing time. North Dakota's closing time is strict. All drinks must be off the tables and the bar closed by the mandatory closing time.
Ohio: Last call is 2 a.m. statewide, although establishments may acquire licenses that allow them to serve until 2:30 a.m. Store-bought beer & wine sales stop at 1 a.m. Liquor over 40 proof may only be purchased in state-approved stores—sales stop at 10 p.m.
Oklahoma: 2 a.m.
Oregon: 2:30 a.m.
Pennsylvania: 2 a.m. in taverns, 3 a.m. in membership-only clubs statewide. Sales may begin as early as 7 a.m. Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board–operated liquor stores (known as "Wine & Spirits Shoppes", or commonly called "state stores") operate various hours, but never open before 9 a.m. and never close later than 10 p.m. About ten percent of state stores, most of which are near the borders of the Commonwealth, are open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Rhode Island: 1 a.m. seven days a week. 2 a.m. in Providence only on Friday and Saturday nights and nights before a state-recognized holiday.
South Carolina: Set by county or municipality. No alcohol sales (on or off premises) is permitted on Sundays, except in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville / Spartanburg, and the Myrtle Beach area.
South Dakota: 2 a.m.
Tennessee: 3 a.m. (24–7 in Memphis)
Texas: Serving stops at 2 a.m. all drinks must be up by 2:15, Liquor stores can be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Beer and wine may be sold in other stores until 1 a.m. on Saturdays, and until midnight on any other day of the week.
Vermont: 2 a.m., 3 a.m on New Year's Eve
Virginia: All drinks must be up by 2 a.m.
Washington: 2 a.m.
West Virginia: 3 a.m.
Wisconsin: 2:00 a.m. weeknights, 2:30 a.m. weekends.[13] No closing time on New Year's Eve.

City-specific laws[edit]
Albany, New York: 4 a.m.
Atlanta: 2:30 a.m.; 4:00 a.m. in Underground Atlanta. Midnight on Sunday night/Monday morning.
Atlantic City, New Jersey: 24 hours.
Austin: 2 a.m.
Baltimore: 2 a.m.
Bloomington and Normal, Illinois: 1 a.m. on weeknights, 2 a.m. on weekends.
Bloomington, Indiana: 3 a.m.
Boston: 2 a.m.
Buffalo: 4 a.m., 24 hours on specific holidays.
Champaign, Illinois: 2 a.m.
Charlotte: 2 a.m.
Chicago: Some bars may choose to close at 2 a.m. or earlier. They may alternately get an extension which allows them to close at 4 a.m. or earlier. On Saturdays, closing times are shifted an hour back to 3 and 5 a.m.
Cincinnati: 2:15 a.m. for last call; 2:30 a.m. for closing time.
Cleveland: 2:30 a.m.
Columbus: 2:30 a.m.
Denver: 2 a.m.
Florence, South Carolina: 2 a.m. for hard liquor, 3 a.m. for beer. This includes Sundays where any bar that is defined as a private club may operate 7 days a week, otherwise last call is midnight Saturday night, until the establishment reopens for business on Monday.
Fort Wayne, Indiana: 3 a.m.
Houston: alcohol service stops at 2:00 a.m.
Indianapolis: 3 a.m.
Kansas City, Missouri: 1:30 a.m. for most bars, 3:00 a.m. for specially licensed bars in certain geographic areas. 6:00 a.m. for one bar only, the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Bars may stay open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Los Angeles: 2 a.m.
Lexington, Kentucky: 2:30 a.m.
Louisville: 4 a.m.
Miami: 5 a.m.; Bars may stay open 24 hours, 7 days a week in the Downtown Entertainment District.
Minneapolis / Saint Paul: 2 a.m.
Mobile: No last call for bars operating under a private club license
New Orleans: Bars may stay open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
New York City: 4 a.m., nightclubs are permitted to stay open after 4 a.m. but cannot serve alcohol.
Pensacola, Florida: 3 a.m. (within city limits, 2 a.m. for county)
Peoria, Illinois: Bars in the downtown district may stay open until 4 a.m. Bars in other areas may stay open until 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Bars may stay open 2 hours later than normal closing hours on New Year's Eve, providing additional patrons are not allowed after normal closing hours.[14]
Phoenix / Scottsdale: 2 a.m.
Philadelphia: 2 a.m.
Pittsburgh: 2 a.m.
Providence: 2 a.m. on weekends, 1 a.m. on weeknights.
Rochester, New York: 2 a.m.
Salt Lake City: 1 a.m.
San Diego: 2 a.m.
San Francisco: 2 a.m.
Savannah, Georgia: 3 a.m.
Seattle, Washington: 2 a.m.
Shreveport, Louisiana: 6 a.m. for Downtown, 2 a.m. everywhere else.
St. Louis: 1:30 a.m. for most bars, with some 3:00 a.m. bars
St. Petersburg: 3 a.m.
Tampa: 3 a.m.
Washington, D.C.: 3 a.m. on Friday night, Saturday night, and the night before a federal or DC holiday; 4 a.m. on the night of New Year's Eve; 2 a.m. other nights.[11]
Papi_Chulo
11 years ago
Of course 2:00 a.m. is not the cutoff time everywhere; wtf?

In Miami; most clubs go until 5:00 a.m. and liquor is served the whole time the club is open.

Having grown up in Miami; I was astonished to find out in many areas there is a 2:00 a.m. cutoff time w/ most clubs subsequently closing at that time; I thought that was really odd.


While living & clubbing in Dallas; Dallas did have a 2:00 a.m. cutoff and subsequently most clubs (e.g. Baby Dolls) would close at that time. The few clubs that went on past 2:00 a.m. would not only not serve any alcohol; and alcohol was not allowed to be consumed either (i.e. by 2 am; you either finished off your drink or you had to discard it).
Clubber
11 years ago
sc,

You are correct, Miami is pretty much 7x24. My local regular watering hole used to have to close for an hour, but that was pretty mush never enforced. Too many local laws to cover all the bases.
sharkhunter
11 years ago
Laws keep changing. Some bars and clubs sell alcohol on Saturday nights here until 2 AM. I have seen some in the local area serve even later but I do not know if that was legal or not. No one seemed to care.

I think it's stupid to not be able to buy beer and liquor in the grocery store on Sunday. I have 2 cases in my refrigerator because of the law and my desire to not be out of stock.

On the plus side, I don't have dancers asking me to buy them drinks late at night when I'm usually out on the weekend so that is nice. As is, I haven't been pushing anyone to change the law. It's been local politicians easing up on the law as some restaurants want to serve it on Sunday with meals. It's a local thing.
sharkhunter
11 years ago
Some stress freedom of religion a lot but I go to church often on Saturdays and then alcohol is restricted the next day. Other religions have no restrictions that I know of. Yet I believe some of the Baptists think if alcohol sales were not restricted on Sunday, God would smite them for defiling all of creation or something like that. I guess that must be logical to them. I don't usually drink very much so only having two cases in my refrigerator is not a big deal to me. It may last me a few months.
farmerart
11 years ago
In Alberta, it is 2:00AM cut off.

British Columbia is a piss off......No 5 Orange must abide by 1:00AM cut off and out the door.

I have the occasional funky evening at No 5 Orange but I could have more of them if I had an extra hour to get my chosen prey more 'loosened up'. Last time I was at the 5 I walked out of the joint with the most miserable case of blue balls of my entire life. I swear that if I had an extra hour to work on my dusky Indo-Canadian beauty of that evening, there would have been no blue balls crisis.
samsung1
11 years ago
At weddings you can pay a fee for every extra hour you want the bar to be open passed 2am. I know of a club in Ohio that serves until 5am on weekends and cops are outside of the club but are not there to bust them for the booze they are there to prevent fights or shootings . Also some clubs are BYOB so drinking continues after hours.
SlickSpic
11 years ago
Good posting Shadow. Louisiana has Napoleonic laws to go with their idiosyncrasies.
Estafador
11 years ago
It's not like that in NY. I get served alcohol way after 2AM.

Ban time
Estafador
11 years ago
You didn't do Long Island Shadowcat. That isn't apart of NYC demographic
sofaking87
11 years ago
I want to say each province is different, but ontario and quebec stop serving at two, and stay open until three depending on the club.
DandyDan
11 years ago
If it's a BYOB place, they can stay open as late as they want and same for juice bars, since they aren't covered by alcohol laws.

Technically for Nebraska, it's more than just Omaha and Lincoln which has opted to stay open til 2. Pretty much any border city stays open that late and the only large city in Nebraska that still closes at 1am is Grand Island, not that they have strip clubs there.
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