Off-Premise Retailers

While there are several different retail channels (e.g., liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores) permitted to sell alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer, wine, liquor) for offsite (off-premise) consumption in any given state, we have attempted to categorize these retail channels into two broad categories for purposes of tracking and assessing COVID-19 policy changes impacting the operations of these retail channels. We have defined the following categories to mean:

Package Food Store is an establishment where its primary operation is to sell food, personal and household goods and is also permitted to sell alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer, wine, liquor) to go for offsite (off-premise) consumption. Depending on state code, a Package Food Store could include any of the following retail channels: Drug Stores, Convenience Stores, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Big Box Stores (e.g., Costco) and Large Retail Chains (e.g., Wal-Mart, Target).

Package Alcohol Store is an establishment (e.g., state-run liquor store, privately-run liquor store) where its primary operation is to sell alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer, wine, liquor) for offsite (off-premise) consumption. Before COVID-19, some states were already permitted to deliver some or all types of alcoholic beverages.

We attempted to capture these operation practices by 1) identifying whether the ability to delivery was already permitted before COVI-19 (e.g., operate as normal) and 2) what new operational practices have been permitted through COVID-19 policy changes (e.g., delivery, sealed containers) through executive action.

The following information regarding state and local policy changes impacting the operations of off-premise outlets selling distilled spirits (e.g., liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores) was compiled using information gathered by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America in its daily “State Bulletin” in addition to updates provided by the Wine Institute.

Additional information is provided below to better contextualize the policy changes displayed on the dashboards.

Variable Definitions - Click here to for explanations of variables used in this dataset

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  • Beer Retailers

    The map below shows social distancing and operational requirements for off-premise retail outlets selling beer in the state as permitted by executive order. States may mandate retailers restrict hours of operation, require curbside pick-up or delivery options or maintain social distancing protocols (SD) within store premises.

  • Wine Retailers

    The map below shows social distancing and operational requirements for retailers of wine for Off-Premise consumption. State may require retailers to restrict hours of operation, require curbside pick-up or delivery options, or maintain social distancing protocols (SD) within store premises.

  • Spirits Retailers

    The map below shows social distancing and operational requirements for retailers of liquor for Off-Premise consumption. State may require retailers to restrict hours of operation, require curbside pick-up or delivery options, or maintain social distancing protocols (SD) within store premises.

Explanation and Exceptions to Tracking Operations:

The Off-Premise Retail Operational Changes Dashboard reflects information related to operational changes impacting off-premise alcohol retail channels by beverage category and in reference to where each beverage category is normally sold. This means that operational changes impacting only certain retail channels in the larger category (e.g., package alcohol stores) may not apply to every channel (e.g., grocery stores) within that category where alcohol is sold.