Is alcohol legal in California?

Q: Is alcohol legal in California?

Alcohol in California is permitted. California is not a control state: all three — beer, wine and spirits — are sold at grocery, convenience, drug and liquor stores holding an off-sale general license. Spirits are widely available in supermarkets.

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CALIFORNIA · ALCOHOL

Alcohol

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Permitted: California is not a control state: all three — beer, wine and spirits — are sold at grocery, convenience, drug and liquor stores holding an off-sale general license.

Permitted

Summary

California is not a control state: all three — beer, wine and spirits — are sold at grocery, convenience, drug and liquor stores holding an off-sale general license. Spirits are widely available in supermarkets.

Source: abc.ca.gov → · Updated July 23, 2026

California Alcohol topics

DUI / DWI Limits in California →Info
In California the DUI limit for adults is 0.08% blood alcohol, or 0.04% for commercial drivers and 0.04% for taxi and rideshare drivers carrying passengers; drivers under 21 are held to a zero-tolerance limit of 0.01%.
Open Container Law in California →Restricted
California prohibits open containers of alcohol in a vehicle on a public road, for both the driver (VC 23222) and passengers (VC 23223); the trunk and unoccupied areas are exempt.
Sunday Alcohol Sales in California →Permitted
California allows alcohol sales every day, including Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. — there are no blue laws.
Last Call Hours in California →Info
Last call is 2 a.m. statewide. A licensee may not sell, give, or deliver alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and knowingly buying a drink in those hours is a misdemeanor for the customer too (Bus. & Prof. Code § 25631).
Beer & Wine in Grocery Stores in California →Permitted
In California, groceries and convenience stores sell all three — beer, wine and spirits.
Where to Buy Alcohol in California →Permitted
California is not a control state: all three — beer, wine and spirits — are sold at grocery, convenience, drug and liquor stores holding an off-sale general license.

Other California laws

Alcohol in nearby states

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