Sunday Alcohol Sales in Atlanta: What You Can (and Can’t) Buy

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering “Can you buy alcohol on Sunday?”, the short answer is yes — but with specific time limits and rules that depend on what you’re buying and where you’re buying it.

Below is a clear breakdown of how Sunday alcohol sales work in Atlanta, Georgia, including hours, locations, and common exceptions.

Sunday Alcohol Sales at a Glance in Atlanta

Key point: In Atlanta, most people can buy alcohol on Sundays, but not at all hours and not in every setting.

Quick Sunday Rules Overview

*Hours can vary slightly based on specific City of Atlanta ordinances, individual business licenses, and county-level rules. Always check posted hours at the location where you plan to buy.

Can You Buy Alcohol in Stores on Sunday in Atlanta?

Grocery, Convenience, and Big-Box Stores

In the City of Atlanta, you can typically buy beer and wine on Sunday from:

• 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for off‑premises consumption (taking it home, hotel, etc.)

This applies to:

• Grocery stores (e.g., large chains within Atlanta city limits)
• Convenience stores and gas stations
• Drugstores and supermarkets that are licensed to sell beer and wine

These stores usually sell:

• Beer and hard seltzer
• Wine
• Sometimes wine coolers and similar beverages

They generally do not sell distilled spirits (liquor) unless they are licensed as a package store.

Package Stores (Liquor Stores)

In Georgia, distilled spirits (vodka, whiskey, tequila, etc.) for home use are sold through package stores (liquor stores), not regular grocery aisles.

In Atlanta:

• Sunday liquor sales from package stores are typically allowed, but
• They’re restricted to mid‑day to late evening, often 12:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
• Some stores may close earlier based on their own policies

Because package store licenses are governed by both state and local rules, exact hours may differ between locations, especially if you’re near a city boundary or county line.

✅ Tip: If you’re near the edge of Atlanta (for example, close to DeKalb County or Fulton County lines), confirm whether the store is inside Atlanta city limits and check its posted Sunday alcohol hours.

Can You Order Alcohol at Bars and Restaurants on Sunday?

Yes. In Atlanta, you can order alcoholic drinks in bars, restaurants, and similar venues on Sunday, as long as the business has the proper license for on‑premises consumption.

Typical Sunday On‑Premises Hours

While individual licenses vary, many Atlanta establishments can serve alcohol:

• Starting as early as 10:00 a.m. on Sundays
• Continuing through late evening (often midnight or later)

This includes:

• Restaurants (full‑service, sit‑down)
• Bars and lounges
• Hotel bars
• Some music venues and entertainment spaces

These hours are linked to Atlanta’s local ordinances, so an establishment’s exact serving times will be on its alcoholic beverage license and often posted inside.

On-Premises vs. Off-Premises: Why It Matters on Sunday

Understanding “on‑premises” vs. “off‑premises” helps make sense of the Sunday rules:

• On‑premises consumption:

  • You drink where you buy it (bar, restaurant, venue).
  • Sunday rules are usually more flexible on start times, especially for brunch service.

• Off‑premises consumption:

  • You buy alcohol and leave (grocery store, liquor store, package store).
  • Sunday sales typically start later in the day, around 12:30 p.m..

So, on a Sunday:

• You might be able to order a mimosa with brunch at 10:30 a.m. at a licensed restaurant,
• But you can’t buy a six‑pack to take home from a store until 12:30 p.m., in most of Atlanta.

Local Variations Within Metro Atlanta

The City of Atlanta’s rules are not necessarily the same as every surrounding city or county in the metro area.

Examples of where rules can differ:

• Unincorporated Fulton or DeKalb County
• Neighboring cities like Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, or College Park

If you’re staying in or near Atlanta and planning to buy alcohol on Sunday, it’s smart to:

1. Confirm your exact location: Are you inside Atlanta’s city limits or just in the Atlanta metro area?
2. Check store signage: Many stores post their allowed Sunday alcohol hours right on the door or near the registers.
3. Ask staff: Cashiers and managers are often very familiar with local Sunday sales cutoffs.

Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield‑Jackson) and Sunday Sales

If you’re traveling through Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Bars and restaurants inside the terminals generally follow on‑premises Sunday rules, so you can usually order drinks on Sunday during their normal operating hours.
• Duty‑free and specialty shops that sell sealed bottles for off‑premises use (such as international travel purchases) operate under their own licensing but still must comply with applicable Georgia and local laws.

Because airport operations are unique and can change, it’s best to check posted hours at each bar, restaurant, or retail shop inside the airport.

ID Requirements and Age Limits on Sundays

Sunday does not change the legal age rules:

• You must be 21 or older to buy or be served most alcoholic beverages in Atlanta.
• A valid, government‑issued photo ID is usually required, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Military ID

Stores and bars in Atlanta commonly check IDs for anyone who appears under a certain age, often 30 or younger, but they can ask anyone for ID at their discretion.

If you’re visiting from out of state or another country, make sure your ID is:

• Not expired
• Clear and legible
• In a form businesses are allowed to accept under Georgia law

Who Sets and Enforces Sunday Alcohol Laws in Atlanta?

Sunday alcohol rules in Atlanta are shaped by:

• Georgia state law – sets the overall framework for when and how alcohol can be sold.
• City of Atlanta ordinances – specify local hours and licensing requirements.
• County regulations – can apply in areas outside city limits.

For official rules or to verify current regulations, Atlanta residents and businesses often contact:

City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue (Alcohol Licensing & Regulation)
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Hall line: (404) 330‑6000

This office can provide information on:

• Local alcohol licensing
• Authorized hours of sale
• Rules for specific neighborhoods or business districts within Atlanta

Practical Tips for Buying Alcohol on Sunday in Atlanta

• ⏰ Plan around the 12:30 p.m. rule for buying sealed alcohol to take home from stores and package/liquor shops in most of the city.
• 🥂 Going to brunch? You can typically order alcoholic drinks earlier than you can buy alcohol in a store.
• 🚗 Crossing city or county lines? Don’t assume the rules are identical—double‑check posted hours when you arrive.
• 🧾 Look for signage: Most Atlanta businesses post their Sunday alcohol sale times near the entrance, bar, or checkout.
• 📞 Still unsure? A quick phone call to the store, bar, or restaurant you’re visiting can prevent surprises at checkout or when ordering.

In summary, yes, you can buy alcohol in Atlanta on Sunday, but timing and location matter. For most people:

• Bars and restaurants: Sunday drinks are available during their licensed hours, often starting around brunch time.
• Stores and package shops: Expect Sunday alcohol sales for take‑home use to start at 12:30 p.m. and end by late evening, with some variation by location.

Checking your specific neighborhood or venue’s posted rules will give you the most accurate, real‑time guidance.