Seven states in the United States directly control the retail sale of distilled spirits and often wine through state-owned and operated liquor stores.
Understanding Alcohol Control States
In the U.S. alcohol market, states generally operate under either a "control" or "license" system. In a license state, private businesses are licensed by the state to distribute and sell alcohol. However, in "control states," the state government itself acts as the primary wholesaler and/or retailer of alcoholic beverages. This means the state either owns the liquor stores or is the sole distributor to privately owned stores, exerting significant control over pricing, product selection, and availability.
States with State-Owned Liquor Stores
Based on the direct control of sales through state-owned establishments, the following states operate their own liquor stores:
| State |
|---|
| Alabama |
| Idaho |
| New Hampshire |
| North Carolina |
| Pennsylvania |
| Utah |
| Virginia |
These states manage the sale of alcohol through their Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) boards, which typically oversee everything from distribution to retail operations. If you are considering opening a wine, beer, or liquor store in any of these states, it is crucial to understand that the state directly controls the sale of alcohol through its ABC-licensed liquor stores, meaning private retail ownership of hard liquor stores is generally not permitted in the same way as in "license" states.
