Food & Wine
Thu, November 6, 2025
Can you buy liquor at the grocery store in Vermont? Beer and wine? What the law says
//food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/06 .. -in-vermont-beer-and-wine-what-the-law-says.html
Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 5:58 GMT by The Burlington Free Press- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Can You Buy Liquor at the Grocery Store in Vermont? What the Law Says
Vermont’s relationship with alcohol has long been shaped by a cautious approach that dates back to the 1970s. Today, the state’s alcohol policy is a patchwork of historic restrictions, recent reforms, and a robust licensing system overseen by the Vermont Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The question that most residents and visitors now ask is simple: Can I buy liquor at the grocery store? The answer is nuanced and depends on the type of alcohol, the size of the grocery store, and the specific licensing it holds.
The Historical Context
In 1970, Vermont adopted the “dry” alcohol regulation that prohibited the sale of liquor in grocery stores entirely. The law was part of a broader movement that aimed to curb alcohol consumption and prevent the proliferation of “bottle shops.” The regulation was codified in Vermont Statutes Title 19, Chapter 2, Section 8 (often cited as 19‑2‑8), which states that the sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed only in establishments that hold the appropriate license from the ABC.
This prohibition remained largely unchanged for decades. It wasn’t until the early 2020s that the state’s legislature began to loosen the restrictions, largely in response to consumer demand and changing social attitudes toward alcohol.
The 2021 Reform: Beer and Wine at Grocery Stores
In 2021, Vermont passed a law that carved a niche for grocery stores to sell beer and wine, but only under strict conditions:
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) Limits: Grocery stores may sell beer, wine, and cider with an ABV of up to 3.2%. This limit is deliberately low to avoid the sale of stronger alcoholic beverages.
- Licensing Requirements: Grocery stores must apply for a separate beer and wine license from the ABC. The application process requires proof of a permanent retail location, compliance with zoning laws, and a commitment to responsible sales practices.
- Dedicated Retail Areas: The store must maintain a dedicated area for the sale of beer and wine, separate from general grocery items, and it must be clearly marked to prevent accidental purchases by minors.
The ABC’s website—https://www.vt.gov/abc—provides a comprehensive guide to the application process, fees, and ongoing compliance requirements. A key point the site emphasizes is that the license must be renewed annually, and failure to comply with the ABC’s regulations can result in revocation.
What About “Liquor” – Spirits?
The 2021 reform explicitly excludes spirits—any alcoholic beverage with an ABV higher than 3.2%. Grocery stores in Vermont cannot sell spirits under any circumstances. Instead, the sale of spirits remains the domain of licensed “liquor stores,” which are regulated separately and typically located in urban or tourist-heavy areas.
The ABC’s definition of liquor—https://www.vt.gov/abc/definitions—includes any distilled beverage such as whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, or brandy. Because spirits can be more potent, the law requires that they be sold only where a dedicated license and strict controls are in place.
The Role of the ABC and Enforcement
The ABC is the regulatory body that ensures compliance with Vermont’s alcohol laws. Its responsibilities include:
- Issuing licenses for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits.
- Inspecting retail locations to ensure adherence to the law.
- Collecting taxes on alcohol sales.
- Educating the public on responsible consumption.
The ABC’s enforcement practices are transparent. For example, inspectors may conduct “spot checks” at grocery stores that have beer and wine licenses. If a violation is found—such as the sale of a beverage above 3.2% ABV— the store faces fines and may lose its license.
The agency also offers resources for businesses and consumers. A recent ABC press release—https://www.vt.gov/abc/press—announced the launch of an online portal where businesses can upload compliance documents and schedule inspections.
How Consumers Can Verify the Store’s License
Vermont’s public trust is reinforced by an easily accessible database that lists all licensed alcohol retailers. The ABC’s public portal—https://www.vt.gov/abc/licenses—allows consumers to search by ZIP code or store name. The portal displays:
- License type (beer, wine, or spirits)
- License status (active, expired, or suspended)
- Contact information for the ABC
A consumer can confirm that a grocery store’s beer and wine license is valid and that the store is compliant with the 3.2% ABV rule. This transparency helps maintain public confidence in the state’s alcohol regulation system.
Implications for Travelers and Residents
For residents, the 2021 law means that buying a bottle of beer or a glass of wine can be convenient, especially in rural areas where a dedicated liquor store may be hours away. The convenience, however, comes with a firm boundary: no spirits at grocery stores.
Travelers, especially those visiting Vermont’s many craft breweries and wineries, can look forward to purchasing local beer or wine from a grocery store’s “specialty” section, but must be aware that the ABC’s regulations apply just as strictly. In many tourist hotspots, travelers can buy a limited selection of local craft beers or 3.2% wines at grocery stores, but if they want higher‑ABV spirits, they’ll need to seek out a licensed liquor store.
The Future: Potential Expansion?
Some Vermont lawmakers are now discussing the possibility of expanding grocery store alcohol sales to include higher‑ABV beer and wine, possibly up to 5% ABV, or even allowing a limited sale of spirits in grocery stores. Proponents argue that such changes could stimulate local economies, increase tax revenue, and provide greater convenience. Opponents worry that loosening restrictions could lead to increased alcohol abuse and traffic accidents.
For now, the 3.2% rule remains in place, and the ABC’s stringent licensing and enforcement processes continue to shape the landscape of alcohol sales in the Green Mountain State.
Key Takeaways
- Beer, wine, and cider up to 3.2% ABV can be sold in grocery stores that hold a specific license.
- Spirits (liquors) cannot be sold in grocery stores under any circumstances; they remain the exclusive domain of licensed liquor stores.
- The Vermont ABC governs licensing, compliance, and enforcement, ensuring that alcohol sales remain controlled and responsible.
- Consumers can verify a store’s license status through the ABC’s public database, ensuring they are purchasing from a compliant retailer.
The regulation of alcohol in Vermont reflects a balance between tradition, public health, and economic considerations. While grocery stores have gained a foothold in selling lower‑ABV beverages, the state remains vigilant about the sale of stronger alcoholic drinks, preserving its long-standing commitment to responsible consumption.
Read the Full The Burlington Free Press Article at:
[ https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/06/can-you-buy-liquor-at-the-grocery-store-in-vermont-what-the-law-says/87083270007/ ]
