Press Releases
12/20/2023
Consumer Alert: Alcohol Sales Still Not Allowed on Christmas or New Year’s Day; Cannabis, Gaming OK
You can buy cannabis and place bets but buy your liquor ahead of time. No matter what you do, do it responsibly.
HARTFORD – The Department of Consumer Protection is reminding Connecticut residents that hours for some liquor permittees change on holidays.
Hours for cannabis licensees are unaffected, and if you choose to gamble you can do that too.
“Every year we remind consumers and businesses that, due to Connecticut law, hours for some liquor permittees change during the holidays. If you choose to consume alcohol with your holiday celebrations, be sure to make those purchases ahead of time, and, of course, please drink responsibly,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “And, because we regulate many things you may be wondering about, Connecticut Law does not prohibit the sale of cannabis, or limit your ability to place wagers during the holidays. No matter how you choose to spend the holidays, please know your limit, arrange designated drivers and be respectful of the establishments and communities where you celebrate.”
Changes to hours for certain liquor permittees are only in effect on the day of the actual holidays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, which both fall on a Monday this year.
Off-premise alcohol consumption:
- Package stores must remain closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
- Grocery stores cannot sell beer on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day
- Manufacturer permits cannot sell alcoholic liquor to go on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day
On-premise alcohol consumption:
- Permittees who serve food may sell alcohol for on-premise consumption on Christmas Day. Normal hours remain the same, except premises may stay open an extra hour New Years Eve evening until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day morning.
Local zoning rules may create stricter limits for both off- and on-premise sales.
Anyone with concerns or complaints about a liquor permittee in the State of Connecticut is encouraged to contact DCP’s Liquor Control Division via email at dcp.liquorcontrol@ct.gov, or at (860) 713-6210.
Adults who choose to consume cannabis are reminded to do so responsibly, including storing cannabis products in their original packaging, locked up and out of reach of children and pets. Resources regarding responsible cannabis use, as well as information about addiction and health risks is available at ct.gov/cannabis.
Information about gaming in Connecticut is available at ct.gov/gaming. Information on services available in Connecticut for those who may have a problem with gambling is available at portal.ct.gov/problemgaming. You may also learn how to opt out of gaming marketing and exclude yourself from participation in legal gaming activity in the state at ct.gov/selfexclusion.
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Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Krasselt
kaitlyn.krasselt@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 377-0246 (cell)