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 wager on holiday sports you can do that too.
“A wise elf once said the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “If a festive cocktail helps you do that, make sure you buy your alcohol ahead of time. And no matter how you choose to spend the holidays, whether it’s a silent night or rocking around the Christmas tree, it is important to 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 Thursday this year.
Off-premise alcohol sales:
- 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 permits cannot sell alcohol to go with food prepared on the premises 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 two extra hours on 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.