Is alcohol legal in Massachusetts?

Q: Is alcohol legal in Massachusetts?

Alcohol in Massachusetts is legal only under specific conditions. Massachusetts is not a control state: beer, wine and spirits are sold by licensed private package stores. Some grocery and convenience chains sell alcohol, but a single owner is capped on the number of off-premises licenses statewide, so supermarket availability is limited.

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MASSACHUSETTS · ALCOHOL

Alcohol

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Conditional: Massachusetts is not a control state: beer, wine and spirits are sold by licensed private package stores.

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Summary

Massachusetts is not a control state: beer, wine and spirits are sold by licensed private package stores. Some grocery and convenience chains sell alcohol, but a single owner is capped on the number of off-premises licenses statewide, so supermarket availability is limited.

Source: mass.gov → · Updated July 23, 2026

Massachusetts Alcohol topics

DUI / DWI Limits in Massachusetts →Info
In Massachusetts the adult per se limit for OUI is 0.08% blood alcohol, drivers under 21 are held to a zero-tolerance limit of 0.02%, and commercial drivers are limited to 0.04%.
Open Container Law in Massachusetts →Restricted
Massachusetts prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle; the container must be kept in the trunk or a locked glove compartment (M.G.L. c. 90, 24I).
Sunday Alcohol Sales in Massachusetts →Permitted
Massachusetts permits Sunday sales, and package (off-premises) stores may sell alcohol beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, with sales generally running until 11:00 p.m.
Last Call Hours in Massachusetts →Info
In Massachusetts, the statewide cap is 2 a.m., but many cities require 1 a.m., and the last drink must be served 30 minutes before closing.
Beer & Wine in Grocery Stores in Massachusetts →Conditional
In Massachusetts, groceries can sell beer and wine, but a statewide cap of 9 off-premises licenses per person or entity — and no more than one per town or two per city — means many supermarket locations cannot sell.
Where to Buy Alcohol in Massachusetts →Conditional
Massachusetts is not a control state: beer, wine and spirits are sold by licensed private package stores.

Other Massachusetts laws

Alcohol in nearby states

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