Missouri Beer Laws in 2023 (Sunday Sales, Delivery, & Where To Buy)

Many of the 50 states have very specific and sometimes strict laws regarding the purchase of alcohol. Missouri, though, is not one of them. What should you expect when trying to buy beer in Missouri?

Read on for an in-depth look at Missouri’s beer laws, including where and when to buy it, and under what circumstances.

Is Missouri a dry state?

A ‘dry state’ does not permit the sale of alcohol. Missouri is not a dry state. Every state in the U.S. is allowed to sell alcohol to some extent.

Missouri is not a dry state and has no dry counties. The alcohol laws in Missouri are very straightforward and are loose compared to some other states. Missouri permits the sale of alcohol at properly licensed on- and off-premise locations Monday through Saturday.

Missouri is comparatively one of the least-dry states in the U.S.

Does Missouri have any dry counties?

Some states have certain rules for beer sales that can vary from county to county. Missouri, however, follows rules at the state level and there are no dry counties.

Missouri does not have any dry counties and all alcohol sales are regulated at the state level. There are no restrictions on selling or consuming alcohol in Missouri except for state laws.

Wherever you are in Missouri, you will be able to buy a six-pack of beer or get a drink at a bar or restaurant with the only stipulation being the time of day.

When can you buy beer in Missouri?

There are minimal restrictions on when you can buy beer in Missouri.

The state of Missouri allows for the sale of beer from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday at on- and off-premise locations. These establishments can apply for a Sunday-sales permit to sell beer during these same times on Sundays.

These times are the same for any place that sells beer.

Can you buy beer on Sunday in Missouri?

Beer can be sold on Sunday in Missouri.

On Sundays in Missouri, retail locations, bars, and restaurants can sell beer from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday with a general alcohol sales permit. These locations can sell on Sundays during the same times with a Sunday sales permit.

The Sunday sales permit in Missouri costs businesses $600 per year.

When do bars close in Missouri?

Does this differ throughout the state?

Most bars in Missouri close around the same time. Some can stay open until 3 a.m.

In Missouri, bars are required at the state level to close by 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, although some close earlier at the owner’s discretion. Establishments that sell alcohol for on-premise consumption in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, can apply for a license to stay open until 3 a.m. every day of the week.

Sunday sales beer sales were only recently made legal in Missouri.

Where can you buy beer in Missouri?

Missouri is known for selling beer in most places and at most times. You can get it pretty much anywhere these days.

You can buy beer in most places in Missouri, including:

  • Bars and restaurants
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Liquor stores
  • Breweries and taprooms

Read on for specific information for each of these places regarding when you can buy beer from them.

Bars and restaurants

Bars and restaurants in Missouri are allowed to stay open from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. These locations can open at the same time on Sunday with the proper permit.

At bars and restaurants in Missouri, you will find cans, bottles, and draft beers. Missouri even permits the sale of to-go beer if it’s in a sealed container and under 128 ounces.

Gas stations

In Missouri, gas stations can sell beer. Missouri gas stations sell beer from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and have the option to buy a permit for Sunday sales during the same time frame.

Gas stations in Missouri sell pre-packaged beers, meaning you can get some 6-packs or cases and even a growler refill.

Grocery stores

Grocery stores in Missouri can sell beer from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and the store can pay an additional fee for a Sunday sales permit.

Grocery stores in Missouri sell packed beer in 12 oz. cans or bottles or in larger bottles and cans if available.

Package and liquor stores

Liquor stores in Missouri are allowed to sell beer.

Missouri liquor stores can sell beer from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday if they have a Sunday sales permit.

They are not state-run and are permitted to keep a selection of beer, but they might not have as wide a variety as other locations.

Breweries and taprooms

Breweries and taprooms are allowed to open from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Sunday, but they usually close earlier. They can operate and sell beer during the same hours on Sunday if they obtain a Sunday sales permit.

These locations can sell beer on draft and in 6-pack cans or bottles to take home with you. They can also sell kegs and growlers.

Can you get beer delivered in Missouri?

Beer can be delivered in Missouri through Drizly or other services like Total Wine.

You can get beer delivered in Missouri through retailers that partner with an alcohol delivery service like Drizly. There are no restrictions to this except that the order must be placed during the hours of operation of the business.

What is the minimum drinking age in Missouri?

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Some states make exceptions for minors and allow them to have a beer with their parents or guardian during dinner, Missouri included.

The minimum drinking age in Missouri is 21.

Businesses are not permitted to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Anyone that furnishes a minor with alcohol that isn’t a legal parent or guardian will face lawful consequences.

Can minors drink beer in Missouri with parents?

Minors are permitted to drink beer with their parents in Missouri.

In Missouri, parents and legal guardians are permitted to furnish minors with beer in moderation during dinner and religious services or gatherings.

Drinking laws in Missouri

Missouri has some of the most relaxed drinking laws in the country. Missouri is known for its drinking laws and for taking a laissez-faire approach.

You can buy beer pretty much anywhere in Missouri. You can also, except for specifically identified localities, drink it anywhere, too. Open containers are allowed in Missouri for those 21 or older.

Just recently, the state allowed Sunday sales and the delivery of beer.

Can you buy growlers and other unsealed beer containers in Missouri?

Missouri’s growlers policy is great for breweries and beer drinkers.

In Missouri, you can purchase pre-packed growlers from breweries. You can also get growlers filled at retailers like grocery stores and convenience stores. The retailer must have a package-liquor license to fill growlers.

Open container

There are no open container laws in place in Missouri for those 21 or older.

In Missouri, it is legal to consume alcohol in public and while in a passenger seat of a vehicle if the passenger is 21. It is illegal for a person under 21 to appear in public visibly intoxicated. Some localities have specific laws against open containers and public intoxication.

It is illegal to drink and drive. 

Driving

In Missouri, drinking and driving is illegal and there are specific laws and consequences in place for doing so.

If you’re 21 or older in Missouri, the legal limit for drinking and driving is 0.08% BAC. If you’re under 21, it is 0.02%. Drinking and driving at 21 or older will result in an infraction. Drinking and driving under the age of 21 can result in jail time and up to a $1,000 fine.

Under 21 years old

There are laws in place to prevent and punish underage drinking and driving in Missouri.

Those under 21 are not permitted to have a BAC of 0.02% or higher while driving or in public. Penalties for drinking and driving under 21 include jail time for up to one year and fines up to $1,000.

21 years and older

The legal limit for drinking and driving at 21 years old in Missouri is a BAC of 0.08%. 

Drinking and driving in Missouri will result in an infraction and shall not be reflected on any records maintained by the department of revenue. Refusing to take a BAC test will result in a 1-year suspension of your driver’s license.

Summary of Missouri’s beer and alcohol laws in 2023

In Missouri, bars and restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and breweries sell beer. Beer sales in Missouri are permitted from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday via a sales permit. You can buy cans, bottles, kegs, and draft beers. Missouri does not have open container laws in place for people 21 or older.

Plan on traveling? Check out all of the beer and alcohol laws by state on our interactive map!