24-05-2025
Are liquor stores open Memorial Day in MA? State law says they must have these altered hours
When it comes to blue laws, Massachusetts has had its share on the books - particularly when it comes to alcohol.
For example, up until 2004, shoppers were banned from selling alcohols on Sunday. And to this day, there are still restrictions for both package stores, bars and restaurants. There are currently rules on when they can sell, with retailers limited to between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. (11:30 p.m. on a day before a legal holiday).
Similarly, there are restrictions on when people can buy alcohol on Memorial Day.
Under state law, liquor stores can't open before noon on Memorial Day. So if you're hoping to have an alcoholic beverage as part of your day, you'll need to go to the store either the day before or in the afternoon.
Memorial Day isn't the only day holiday with restrictions on alcohol sales.
Liquor stores must be closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day in Massachusetts, under state law.
Massachusetts' "Blue Laws" were meant to enforce the Puritan ideas of a "moral" society. To sure people went to church, laws were passed to prohibit work and business on Sunday, or the "Sabbath." They also covered holidays and the sale of alcohol.
There are still some Blue Laws on the books. The most well-known is that Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that still prohibits most stores from opening on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Veer Mudambi contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Are liquor stores open Memorial Day in MA? What to know
