Does Costco Sell Alcohol? (Answered)

When it comes to buying alcohol for Costco, be sure to shop carefully. In some states, alcohol is not allowed as part of their company-wide policy.

Besides grocery stores like Aldi and convenient stores like 7-Eleven, Costco’s direct competitor Walmart and their warehouse retailer Sam’s Club have been selling alcohol for many years now.

Does Costco Sell Alcohol?

At Costco locations across the country, you can find some of the widest selections of alcohol compared to any major retailer. Costco carries beer, wine, and hard liquor. With over 500 products, including over 50 spirits, you can fully stock up on all your favorite drinks at Costco.

Hard liquor represents a considerable change for many states in the US. Not that long ago, only a select number of states allowed for hard liquor to be sold outside of designated liquor stores.

Today, Costco and other major outlets are now selling hard liquor across most of the country.

No matter where you live, you can get beer, wine, and spirits without a membership at Costco.

In fact, some of the world’s most famous distillers produce the spirits sold at Costco. For instance, Jim Beam produces whiskey and rum for the company known as Jim Beam.

What Types of Alcohol Does Costco Sell?

Costco is best known for selling beer and wine, the two most popular forms of alcohol in terms of sales. Because Costco is a major retailer, you can generally find beer and wine at or near the lowest price in your community.

Most of the wines sold at Costco are priced significantly lower than other retailers. The Daily Meal has found that these wines are typically around 10% to 20% cheaper than other stores.

This includes major brands such as Budweiser, Busch, Coors, Tecate, and more.

Costco also carries craft beer. These are regional favorites that vary depending on the location of Costco.

What you may be surprised to learn is that Costco is the largest wine retailer in the US. Kirkland Brand is a popular choice for wine, hard alcohol, and craft beer.

In addition, you can find a wide selection of hard liquor at most Costco locations.

From brandy to whisky, vodka, and more. The exact brands, sizes, and quantities will vary between each Costco location.

What is Required to Buy Alcohol at Costco?

You will need to have a verified photo ID which indicates you are the minimum age to purchase alcohol in your state. You will also need to be a member of Costco in many states, so your Costco ID card will be required.

However, at least 11 states have laws that prohibit stores from requiring you to be a member if you are purchasing alcohol. This means that if alcohol is the sole purchase you are making, then you do not need a Costco membership.

Such states will vary depending on when new laws are enacted. But currently, the list includes the following.

Arizona, California, and Colorado
Delaware, Hawaii, and Indiana
Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Michigan
Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Vermont

Can You Use the Self-Checkout to Buy Alcohol at Costco?

That will depend on the laws of your state. Some states may allow alcohol to be sold at self-checkouts in Costco. While others such as California have banned the practice.

In any event, your age will have to be verified when purchasing alcohol from Costco. This means that it may be possible to purchase it at a self-checkout, but a store clerk or rep will still have to verify your age.

Be sure to check with your local laws and store rules and regulations before making a purchase. This may save you time and effort when purchasing alcohol.

What Time Does Costco Stop Selling Alcohol?

This depends on both individual store policy and the state in which you live. Most states have a cutoff time in which alcohol can be sold at retail stores along with bars, pubs, and clubs.

In addition, many states have laws about selling alcohol on Sundays. This means that the times in which you may purchase alcohol on Sundays may differ compared to Monday through Saturday.

Again, you should check with your local and state laws along with the store policy about when alcohol can be sold.

What is true is that most Costco locations will start selling alcohol when they open or at 6 am if they are open all night.

If you missed Costco’s hours to buy alcohol, try Walgreens or CVS.

Can I Still Buy Alcohol at Costco in 2024?

You can purchase alcohol at Costco locations across the country. In fact, Costco is the largest retailer of wine in the US. Plus, they have a wide selection of beer and hard liquor.

Like many retail stores that sell popular brands of beer such as Coors or Budweiser, many Costco locations will also carry craft or regional beer. The same is true of wine with Kirkland Brand being the most popular.

Plus, many states do not require you to be a Costco member if you are only shopping for alcohol, so check with your local state laws first before making a purchase.