Permits

Off Premises Liquor Permits

Grocery Store

Allowed to sell malt beverages (e.g., beer) and cider

• No consumption on premise at all
• May purchase from a wholesaler
• Must be primarily engaged in the sale of grocery items, which means line items #1-6 of the breakdown of sales form must be greater than 50% of overall total sales
• Must have lockable storage and prevent sales of alcohol outside allowable hours

Grocery Beer Permit

Grocery Beer Permit – Authorizes the sale of beer at grocery stores for off-premise consumption.

• Allows grocery stores to sell beer for off-premises consumption.
• Typically available to grocery stores that meet state/local requirements.
• Must apply through the state alcohol regulatory agency.
• Usually involves an application fee and annual renewal fee.
• Must follow labeling, storage, and age verification laws.

Grocery Beer Permit for Gas Stations

Gas Stations in CT can obtain a Grocery Beer Permit.

• Authorizes gas stations to sell beer for off-premise consumption.
• Ensures compliance with state and local alcohol laws.
• Required in addition to standard business or trade licenses.
• Applies to convenience store operations within the gas station.
• Must be renewed annually to remain valid.

Package Store Liquor Permit

A package store is a licensed shop that sells alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption.

• Allowed to sell beer, cider, wine, and hard spirits
• No consumption on premise at all
• May deliver using own employees or a licensed third-party transporter
• May purchase from a wholesaler
• Must be a package store permit available in town at time of application; review town roster
• This permit allows the sale of specific non-pharmacy items such as cigarettes, bar utensils, gift packages, beer and wine-making kits, ice, lottery tickets, and certain foods.

With the THC Infused Beverages Endorsement, Liquor Stores are permitted to sell 3mg THC drinks. Only a small percentage of the 1100 plus Liquor Stores have the THC Infused Beverages Endorsement. There was  a new law passed in 2024 that permits  the sale of THC by Package Stores and Cannabis Dispensaries. Gas Stations and Convenience Stores are no longer permitted to sell THC Infused Beverages.