December 29, 2014

State Officials Issue Reminder Concerning Liquor Sales and Service forNew Year’s Eve

HARTFORD, December 29 – The Department of Consumer Protection is reminding the general public about the hours in which businesses may legally sell and serve liquor as part of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

On December 31st, liquor stores and grocery stores with beer permits may sell permitted products during their normal hours until 9:00 p.m. Bars, restaurants and cafes may serve drinks, beer or wine until 3 a.m. the following morning, January 1st. Please note that café permit businesses, typically bars, must be closed at 3:00 a.m. While restaurants may remain open after that hour, no alcoholic beverages may be served.

Any town, by vote or local ordinance, may have reduced its locally permissible hours. In such towns, the reduced hours mandated by local governance take precedence over State law.

On January 1^st, package stores must remain closed; grocery stores may be open but the sale of beer or wine is prohibited. Bars, restaurants, cafes, casinos (food must be available) may serve drinks as their permit allows for normal operation.

“Let’s keep this holiday safe and free of needless tragedy caused by the irresponsible use of alcohol,” Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said today. “While businesses are prohibited from serving or selling to minors or anyone who appears inebriated, these rules are appropriate for house parties too.  Arrange transportation for guests who need it, don’t host parties at your home where youth are allowed to drink, and very importantly, know and stay within your own limits. Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.”

The Department of Consumer Protection, through the State Liquor Control Commission, oversees all sales of liquor in the State of Connecticut. As Commissioner of Consumer Protection, Rubenstein is Chairman of the Liquor Control Commission. 

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