Package stores are only allowed to sell what is stated in statute. Package stores are allowed to sell all classes of alcohol: beer, cider, wine, and spirits. Package stores may sell other items listed in the package store statute. If it is not included in the below list, it is prohibited in a package store.
Allowable items:
-
Alcoholic beverages purchased from a Connecticut wholesaler or Connecticut manufacturer
-
THC-infused beverages purchased from a Connecticut alcohol wholesaler (with required endorsement on the package store permit)
-
Nonalcoholic beverages
-
Cigarettes and cigars only (no vapes, chewing tobacco, ENDs, or other smoking devices or products)
-
Lottery tickets (if package store has necessary permit from DCP)
-
Publications like magazines and newspapers
-
Bar utensils like strainers, stirrers, or other similar items used to consume beverages or make beverages
-
Value-added packages (VAPs): Gift packages of alcoholic liquor as received from the manufacturer or wholesaler (for example, (1) special packaging like holiday boxes and (2) gifts containing alcohol packed with nonalcoholic items other than food or tobacco)
-
Gift baskets or other containers with alcoholic liquor and any other commodity in this list
-
Complementary fresh fruits to use in the preparation of mixed beverages
-
Cheese and/or crackers
-
Olives
-
Beer and wine-making kits and products related to the kits
-
Ice
-
Clothing imprinted with alcohol-related advertising (such as brand t-shirts or hats with brand names)
-
Multiple packages of alcoholic beverages, provided the minimum retail selling price fully applies
-
Devices and related accessories designed for accessing a beverage containing alcohol from prepackaged containers like pods, pouches or similar containers (similar to a pod-style coffee machine), but excluding devices that are not designed primarily for such purposes (like a blender)
-
Alcohol-infused confections containing not more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by weight
Example of items that are NOT allowed (this is not an exclusive list; these are simply items we often improperly see in package stores):
-
Beef jerky
-
Chips and popcorn
-
Nuts
-
CDs
-
DVDs
-
Electronic accessories, like chargers, headphones, or memory chips
-
Over-the-counter prescription medications
-
Sunglasses
-
Personal hygiene products
-
Hookah accessories
-
Alcohol not purchased from a Connecticut wholesaler
-
Cigarettes without a Connecticut tax stamp
-
THC, hemp, or marijuana infused foods or products (THC infused beverages purchased from a Connecticut alcohol wholesaler allowed with endorsement)
-
Slot machines