Costco Wholesale is a household name for its vast selection of wholesale goods, including groceries, electronics, and luxury merchandise. But one question that often arises among shoppers is: Which states does Costco sell alcohol? If you’re planning to purchase wine, beer, or spirits at Costco, the answer depends on the store location and state liquor laws. This article will dive deep into the details of alcohol sales at Costco, focusing on which U.S. states allow Costco to sell alcoholic beverages, how these regulations work, and what you need to know as a Costco shopper.
Understanding Costco’s Alcohol Sales: A National Overview
Costco offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including premium wines, craft beers, and top-tier spirits, often priced significantly lower than at traditional retailers. However, alcohol sales in the United States are governed by individual state laws. While some states allow Costco to sell alcohol freely in-store, others impose strict control on retail sales, distribution, or even the type of alcohol sold.
As of the latest available data, Costco sells alcohol in the majority of U.S. states—but not all. There are state-specific regulations around packaging, licensing, and retail hours that shape the experience in each location.
States Where Costco Can Sell Alcohol
Costco operates stores in all 50 U.S. states, but not all locations offer the full range of alcoholic beverages. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of states where Costco sells wine, beer, and/or spirits. This list reflects current laws and licensing agreements as of early 2024.
| State | Alcohol Type(s) Sold at Costco | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | Beer, Wine, Spirits | Sales available in-store and online with age verification. |
| Texas | Beer, Wine | No spirits/liquor sales at Costco locations in Texas. |
| New York | Beer, Wine, Spirits | Full selection available; high turnover on limited bottles. |
| Florida | Beer, Wine, Spirits | Popular spirits frequently sell out due to high summer demand. |
| Illinois | Beer, Wine, Spirits | Full range, including premium bourbon and imported wines. |
| North Carolina | Beer, Wine | State monopolizes spirit sales, restricting Costco liquor offerings. |
| Utah | Beer, Wine | Liquor sales controlled by state-run stores; limited wine ABV allowed. |
| Oregon | Beer, Wine, Spirits | Extensive selection; state allows private retail sales with licensing. |
| Maine | Beer, Wine | No liquor sales; state maintains control over spirits distribution. |
This table reflects a partial snapshot—to fully understand your state’s rules, refer to local liquor authority guidelines and contact the Costco location nearest you directly.
Which Stores Can’t Sell Alcohol: Key Restrictions by State
In some U.S. states, Costco cannot offer any form of alcohol due to strict state-run liquor systems or legal restrictions on price, placement, or selling conditions.
States with Total Restriction on Costco Liquor Sales
- Maine: Spirits cannot be sold by Costco; wine and beer allowed under state control.
- North Carolina: Spirits are sold only through state-run ABC stores.
- Pennsylvania: Spirits are limited to state-owned PLCB stores, although wine can be sold by licensed grocery retailers under reform passed in 2016 (Costco currently does not sell wine here).
- Massachusetts: Liquor licenses are highly restricted and Costco has chosen not to pursue them in many cases.
It’s important to note that while Costco may not have liquor or wine available in some states, the company continues to work with local regulators to expand offerings where possible.
Alcohol-Free Options at Costco for Restricted States
For locations where alcoholic beverage sales are limited or prohibited, Costco still provides non-alcoholic alternatives, such as:
- Shirley Temples and mocktails kits
- Decaffeinated beer and non-alcoholic wine options
- Festival packs of juices and flavored soda
While not as robust as their traditional alcohol cases, these options give shoppers an appealing and festive alternative for events or gatherings.
Why Do Some States Restrict Costco from Selling Alcohol?
Alcohol laws in the U.S. are rooted in the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition but gave individual states the power to regulate alcohol sales within their borders. This has led to widespread variation across state lines.
Control States: The Liquor Monopolies
A control state maintains government oversight of alcohol wholesale and/or retail sales. In these states, retailers like Costco are not allowed to sell higher-proof spirits such as whiskey, rum, or vodka at all. Some major examples include:
- Alabama
- Idaho
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
Some of these states allow the sale of wine and beer at Costco locations but mandate that hard liquor be sold exclusively through state-operated stores. The goal is often to limit underage sales and regulate public consumption, though these systems have faced criticism for inefficiency and high costs.
Control-state limitations often result in:
- Increased cost for shoppers
- Limited variety and availability
- No discounts or promotions due to pricing regulation
- Strict operational hours for sale locations
How Costco Builds Alcohol Programs in New States
When Costco plans to open a new warehouse in a state where alcohol sales are permitted, the process to establish a liquor program involves steps including:
- Securing the appropriate state and municipal licenses
- Meeting health and safety standards set by the state Alcohol Beverage Control board (ABC)
- Training staff to implement responsible, legal sales practices
- Stocking and promoting a selection that aligns with local tastes and demand
Additionally, Costco works with its long-standing vendor partners—including brands like Kirkland Signature, Tito’s Vodka, and several private-label wines—to ensure competitive pricing and variety.
What You Need to Know Before Buying Alcohol at Costco
If you’re planning to buy wine, beer, or liquor at your local Costco, here are a few critical elements to keep in mind:
Age Verification: Strict Enforcement
Costco employees are required by law to check IDs of any customer purchasing alcohol. You must present a legally valid photo ID proving you are aged 21 or older. This rule is not flexible and applies uniformly across all states in which Costco is allowed to sell alcohol.
Hours of Alcohol Sale
While many Costco stores open early, not all locations sell alcohol across their entire operating hours. These restrictions can include:
- Alcohol not sold before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Prohibition of Sunday alcohol sales in certain states (e.g., parts of Texas and Indiana)
- Seasonal or legislative limitations (e.g., state-wide moratoriums during holidays like Christmas or New Year’s Day)
Special Considerations by Region
Because liquor laws differ regionally, Costco tailors its offerings accordingly.
Midwestern States
In the Midwest, states like Indiana and Missouri allow Costco to sell wine and beer but not spirits, or restrict spirits to in-store lounges or direct consumer licenses.
Southern States
The South has some of the strictest liquor laws in the country—particularly in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. These laws often stem from longstanding blue laws and community-based regulation.
Western States
Western states such as Washington, California, and Colorado tend to be more liberal in alcohol laws, allowing Costco full retail freedom. California and Colorado even see regular rotation of limited edition bourbons and small batch wines that draw liquor collectors.
New England States
New England is a mixed bag—Massachusetts and Maine have strong distribution controls, though Vermont and New Hampshire allow broader private retail options.
Shopping Tips: How to Find Alcohol at Your Local Costco
Want the best experience when shopping for wine, beer, or spirits at Costco? Consider these insider tips and tricks.
Check the Costco Website or Kirkland Signature Page
If your state allows alcohol sales, Costco often lists their wine and spirits inventory on their official website. You can also use the Costco Find a Product Search tool to see current in-store stock details.
This feature allows you to:
- Check stock availability for Kirkland Signature liquors
- Find store-specific inventory updates before driving out
Download the Costco App
The Costco app delivers real-time location-based pricing and availability alerts. If your state permits alcohol sales, the app can help you time your liquor purchase for when stock is available or special discounts are active.
Know the Best Time of Year
If you’re hunting for limited edition whiskey bottles or high-end wines, focus your shopping around:
- October to December for holiday releases and seasonal picks
- May to July for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and summer sipper varieties
Costco’s wine selections often rotate weekly, so frequent shoppers should make it a habit to swing by during these peak times.
Conclusion: Does Costco Sell Alcohol in Your State?
Costco sells alcohol in a majority of U.S. states but not all, due to strict control states, state-run liquor monopolies, and regional regulations. To get the most accurate, current information about alcohol availability, check directly with your local Costco store or review your state’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) board website.
With more than 700 warehouses across the U.S., Costco continues to advocate for fair and competitive liquor laws, working to offer more affordable, high-quality alcohol selections across the country. Whether you’re in search of a Kirkland Signature Cabernet or a rare whiskey bottle, your experience may vary—but it’s rarely disappointing when available.
Now that you know where Costco sells alcohol across the U.S., you can better plan your next Costco trip—and stock up with confidence.
What states does Costco sell alcohol in?
Costco sells alcohol in most of the 40 U.S. states where the membership-based retail chain operates. However, the availability of alcohol—such as wine, beer, and spirits—can vary depending on state laws and regulations regarding the sale of such products. In many locations, Costco is able to sell beer and wine in-store and sometimes in-state distilled spirits, but the sale of hard liquor may be restricted in certain areas due to state-imposed limitations.
For example, states like Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky, and Oklahoma historically had more restrictive alcohol laws, which can affect whether Costco is permitted to sell alcohol, particularly spirits, to the general public or only to licensed businesses. Over time, some of these laws have changed, allowing greater retail freedom. Customers should check with their local Costco warehouse to confirm whether alcohol is available for sale at that location, and which specific products are permitted under local regulations.
Can I buy alcohol at Costco in all 50 states?
No, you cannot buy alcohol at Costco in all 50 states. While Costco operates in 40 U.S. states, its ability to sell alcohol—like wine, beer, or spirits—depends on individual state laws and local jurisdiction regulations. There are several reasons why a state or specific county might restrict alcohol sales at Costco, such as blue laws or state-controlled liquor systems that govern where and how alcohol can be sold.
Additionally, even in states where alcohol is generally permitted for sale at Costco, certain Costco outlets, particularly those in jurisdictions with stricter alcohol controls (like some counties in Utah or Pennsylvania), may not carry or sell alcoholic products to comply with the law. If you’re planning a visit and intend to buy alcohol, it’s advisable to contact the specific warehouse location beforehand or check Costco’s website for the most accurate and current information.
What determines whether Costco can sell alcohol in a particular state?
The sale of alcohol at Costco is primarily determined by state and local laws, which vary significantly across the United States. Some states enforce “blue laws” or maintain tight regulatory control over the sale of alcohol, either by limiting retailers or controlling distribution through state-run systems. In some cases, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers are restricted in what products they can sell or buy. Costco must comply with these laws to operate legally in each state.
Another factor is whether a Costco location is allowed to obtain a retail alcohol license under state law. Even in states where Costco is present, obtaining this license may not be automatic, and some communities may impose additional restrictions or allow local bans based on public referendums. These legal and licensing considerations directly influence whether a Costco store may offer alcoholic beverages to its customers.
Are there any states where Costco does not sell alcohol at all?
Yes, there are some states where Costco does not sell alcohol at all, or where alcohol sales are significantly limited, due to the legal framework governing beverage alcohol sales. For instance, in Utah, alcohol laws are tightly regulated by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC), which controls most retail sales of spirits and wine. While Costco stores may sell certain low-alcohol-content beers, they are generally prohibited from selling wine and spirits directly to consumers.
Similarly, in the past, Costco warehouses in states like Kentucky or Oklahoma traditionally faced restrictions on alcohol sales, particularly for spirits, unless sold through licensed distributors or under state-established retail structures. While some of these rules have been updated, making alcohol available in more locations, certain areas within these states may still prevent Costco from carrying alcoholic beverages. Customers must verify with local warehouse policies before assuming availability.
Can Costco members from one state buy alcohol at Costco in another state?
Costco’s alcohol sales must adhere to the laws of the state where the warehouse is situated, which means that purchasing alcohol as an out-of-state member is subject to those same legal constraints. So, if a Costco in state A allows alcohol sales, you can legally buy it there even if you’re from state B, which may have stricter laws. However, bringing that alcohol back to your home state may raise regulatory issues related to personal transportation of alcohol across state lines.
Some states restrict how much alcohol individuals can bring in from out-of-state purchases, or they may require residents to acquire permits for such transportation. These laws are usually associated with alcohol taxation, liquor control, and resale protection efforts. Therefore, while Costco will not stop you from buying alcohol while traveling, consumers should familiarize themselves with applicable state laws before transporting large quantities across borders.
Does Costco sell wine and beer in all states where it operates?
Costco does not necessarily sell both wine and beer in all of the states where it operates; product availability depends on local laws and licensing agreements. In many states, Costco is able to obtain licenses that allow them to sell beer and wine to the public. However, in some locales, legal restrictions imposed by state and county governments may prohibit the sale of alcohol altogether or may only allow the sale of specific categories—such as beer with a low alcohol content (often 3.2% ABV or below).
For instance, in parts of the South and Midwest, certain counties maintain “dry” status where the sale of alcohol is either entirely banned or allowed only under specific circumstances. In these areas, Costco must comply with the same rules as other retailers. Thus, while Costco offers a robust selection of alcoholic beverages in many locations, customers should be mindful of local regulations that can impact whether wine or beer is available at a specific warehouse.
Can Costco sell alcohol in state-controlled liquor stores?
Costco typically cannot sell alcohol in the same way as state-controlled liquor stores, because the regulatory frameworks that govern each are distinct. In state-controlled liquor systems, such as those in Pennsylvania or Utah, the state government manages the sale and distribution of spirits and sometimes wine, often restricting private retailers (including large chains like Costco) from selling these products. Costco may be allowed to sell beer or certain lower-alcohol beverages but will not have access to the full range of alcoholic drinks in such environments.
There have been legislative changes in several of these states opening up opportunities for private retailers to sell more alcohol. For example, in Pennsylvania, Costco and other stores may now vend wine and spirits at certain locations due to regulatory reforms that expanded licensing options. Nevertheless, store-by-store availability will still depend on licensing and compliance with the specific state’s alcohol distribution policies. Customers should contact their local Costco store for the most accurate details.