Are you stranded on whether CVS offers alcohol, and if so, what are the policies concerning selling alcohol at CVS? Then this is the right place for you. Read the article and get expert as well as verified answers from experts.
CVS is a popular drugstore that has also become a general store over time. In recent years, the store has become one of the best one-stop shops for almost all your daily needs. In addition to pharmacy items, CVS also gives customers access to a collection of party supplies under one roof.
However, many state laws, especially the federal government, restrict retailers when it comes to selling alcohol or alcoholic drinks. For this reason,. Many people are wondering whether CVS sells alcohol.
We spend time researching and analyzing everything for you. Since we are here to serve you, here is what we found online concerning the big question: What are the types of alcohol at CVS? Here are every tip for enhancing your next shopping experience.
Table Of Contents
Does CVS Sell Alcohol?
CVS is one of the profound retail stores that, besides medication, also stocks and sells alcohol products. Through the collection, you can access alcoholic drinks, wine, spirits, beers, etc. However, this is only available in the states that allow it to be stocked and sold. Also, keep in mind that customers are only allowed to purchase alcohol at CVS stores if they are above the legal age. The age varies mostly starting at 21 based on numerous state laws. You can also purchase CVS alcohol through Instacart for delivery services.
Before you go shopping for alcohol at the local CV store, kindly call and confirm your availability. If you are interested in exploring beyond the alcohol, the variety of alcohol at CVS, pricing, and their return policy, we have done everything for you; keep reading the article as we unlock and answer all your questions.
Policy for Selling Alcohol at CVS Stores
Based on the above, CVS does sell alcohol in some of its stores, but several factors determine alcohol availability and sales policies:
1. State and local laws: Alcohol sales at CVS vary significantly based on state and local regulations. Some states allow CVS to sell beer, wine, and spirits, while others may only permit beer and wine sales or prohibit CVS from selling alcohol altogether.
2. Store location and type: Even within states that allow CVS to sell alcohol, not all store locations may offer it. Alcohol sales are more common at larger CVS stores and those with a grocery section. Stores near schools or churches may face additional restrictions.
3. Time restrictions: Hours of alcohol sales at CVS are subject to state and local laws. Some states prohibit alcohol sales during certain hours or on Sundays, while others have no time restrictions.
4. Age verification policies: CVS has strict policies to prevent underage alcohol sales. Cashiers may ask for ID from all members of a group if one person is purchasing alcohol, even if others are not directly involved in the transaction.
5. Health hub stores: CVS has announced plans to remove alcohol from its "Health Hub" stores that focus on healthcare services and products. These locations will replace alcohol with non-alcoholic beverages and mixers.
Type of Alcohol at CVS Stores
Some people ask what type of alcohol CV stores sell to customers. Well, you can select from a variety of alcoholic products based on customers' tastes. Some of the popular types to go for are outlined below.
- Rubbing alcohol (70% ethyl alcohol or 91% isopropyl alcohol): These are antiseptic products used for first aid and cleaning purposes, not for consumption. CVS sells its brand of rubbing alcohol.
- Beer: Some CVS locations sell beer, both individual bottles/cans and cases. The availability and selection vary by store and state laws.
- Liquor: Select CVS stores in certain states sell liquor, with the selection and availability varying based on local regulations. For example, some CVS locations in Las Vegas, Nevada are reported to have an extensive liquor selection.
- Wine: In states and municipalities that allow it, some CVS stores sell wine. Customers can access multiple collections of white wine and sparkling and red wine.
However, some writers clearly make it loud and clear that alcoholic drinks are not available at the CVS online stores https://www.CVS.com/. But beer ranks as the most common alcoholic drink at the CVS store. This is because the licensing law doesn't impose restrictions on it. Regions like Kansas and Mississippi have very strict rules that limit the sale of wines in-store because they are off-license. However, they allow the wine to be sold in the liquor stores.
Do All CVS Stores Sell Alcohol?
Mostly in the states that allow the sales of alcohol, CVS stores stock and sell alcoholic products but only in specialized off-premise areas. This is dependent on the regulations clarified in the license. Some states don't permit non-specialized stores to sell wines and liquor. Remember that CVS in those regions will stock alcoholic drinks.
While the restriction varies from state to state, many CVS stores feature alcoholic drinks, which are only permitted according to government laws in the state or region. However, as a requirement, CVS will only sell you alcoholic products when you are above the legal age requirements. Most of the ages range from 18 to 21 and above.
When Do CVS Stores Start and Stop Selling Alcohol?
To get the issue on the time when CVS sells and stops selling alcohol, understand that everything here depends on the regulation by the state laws and its licensing rules. Therefore, many CVS stores even sell alcohol on Sundays. However, there are some exceptions in particular states where they are prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays.
When the states allow CVS to sell alcohol on Sunday, it restricts what time they need to start selling it to customers. More about time is on the way. Before anything, remember that sales of alcohol on Sunday at CVS stores are found under a series of US laws, which are known as the Blue Laws. Therefore, when you want to explore the number of states that allow CVS stores to sell alcohol on a Sunday, get the Laws and analyze the map keenly.
Saturdays and weekdays are the days of the week when the time limitation by the licensing rules becomes less restrictive.
In general, most CVS stores sell alcohol throughout the week from the time they open stores. However, some jurisdictions and states restrict the time it takes to sell a particular alcohol. The general rules allow CVS stores to sell alcohol throughout the opening period, especially on Sundays. For the 24-hour CVS stores, alcohol might not be permitted during the night.
Is Alcohol at CVS Stores Worth It?
Like other general liquor stores, CVS features numerous alcohol brands sourced from reputable and favorite brands. This means any customer is guaranteed to get any alcoholic drink that suits their Budget and taste preferences.
Customers can purchase alcoholic drinks from famous brands in the store, such as Bombay Sapphire gin, Bacardi Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Maker's Mark Bourbon, Aperol, and SKYY Vodka.
Return Policy of Alcohol at CVS Stores
The CVS return policy on alcohol doesn't come out clearly on whether the stores accept the returned alcohol into their store. When considering other food items, CVS also restricts them so that the company doesn't accept returned products even if they are not opened.
Still, there are states which present the accommodative alcohol law, which states that returning alcohol is illegal. However, it becomes a reasonable consideration when it is unfit for humans. Thus, such states clearly state that any alcohol returned at CVS is never accepted.
However, different states have different laws regarding whether a customer can return purchased alcohol to a CVS store. This means that CVS follows the restrictions outlined by the local state laws.
Based on the above valuation, it is reasonable to conclude that if you are not sure, contact the local CVS stores to seek assistance if they accept the returned alcohol or if the store features alcoholic drinks. You can use the CVS store locator feature to get more information, their contact details, and more.
Why Did CVS Start Selling Alcohol?
The main reason why CVS started selling alcohol is that they had a vision to increase profitability and add alcohol to the portfolio to outpace the competition. The DC Alcohol Beverage Regular Administration clearly confirms the CVS marketing manager's report that pharmaceutical products do not have favorable margins alone according to current government policy.
Walmart is one of the competitors that ranked as the one-stop destination shopping and caused a threat to the model. Hence, CVS introduced consumable products, including alcohol, to remain the game's frontrunner. The expansion of the collection ensures that CVS stores meet the growing demand of the customers.
However, note that each state has its own set of rules governing the sale and consumption of alcohol. Based on the United States Constitution https://draftmag.com/best-porter-beer/ 21st amendment, the power is vested unto each state, and with the freedom, they can regulate liquor laws solely. This is determined by things such as the crime rate in the area and more. All the available alcohols, such as beer and wine liquor, are sourced from popular brands, as highlighted by the state laws.
Conclusion
Although a popular pharmaceutical store, CVS sells alcohol and food products based on state laws and licensing rules. Though there are states restricting spirits accessibility through liquor stores, many CVS locations stock and sell wines, beers, cocktails, etc. In the above article, we have also seen that CVS only sells alcohol to a person of legal age 18 to 21 and above. CVS doesn't sell alcohol online.