If you are living in the United States, you know to try to stay off the roads between the hours of 1:30 and 3 AM, especially on weekends. This is because that is the time that bars generally let out, and it is best to risk not running into any drunk drivers.

Alcohol rules in the United States can be very strict. In Seattle, for example, nearly all bars “close” at 2:00AM, when they are no longer allowed to serve any alcoholic beverages. If you have ever been to bar this late, you know that they take that rule very seriously – so seriously that most bars start closing up at 1:30 for Last Call in order to ensure you have left the premises by 2.

Other states have what is known as “Blue laws” where the bar hours change depending on the day of the week. Each state is allowed to set its own legal bar hours (as are the cities in each state), though most states follow a generally well known pattern:

White Wine Glass

How Late Bars Serve Alcohol By State

  • Alaska – 5 AM
  • Arizona – 2 AM
  • Arkansas – 2 AM
  • California – 2 AM
  • Delaware – 1 AM
  • Florida – 2 AM
  • Georgia – 2 AM
  • Iowa – 2 AM
  • Kansas – 2 AM
  • Massachusetts – 2AM
  • Maine – 1 AM
  • Michigan – 1:30 AM
  • Missouri – 1:30 AM
  • Minnesota – 2 AM
  • Nebraska – 1 AM
  • Nevada – 24 Hours
  • New Hampshire – 12:45 AM
  • New Jersey – 2AM
  • New York – 4AM
  • Ohio – 2AM
  • North Carolina – 2 AM
  • Tennessee – 3 AM
  • Texas – 2 AM
  • Virginia – 2 AM
  • Washington – 2 AM
  • Wisconsin – 2 AM

As mentioned earlier, these numbers can change depending on city and county. Tampa, Florida, for example, is allowed to serve alcohol until 3AM. It all depends on local legislation, though as you can see form the list, it tends to be around 2 AM on average.